Berthe is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "berhta," which means "bright" or "famous." The name Berthe was particularly popular in France during the Middle Ages, as it was borne by several queens and saints.
One of the most famous figures named Berthe was Bertha of Kent, also known as Eadburg. She was a princess from the Frankish kingdom who married Æthelberht of Kent, a king in Anglo-Saxon England, around 580 AD. Together, they had several children, including Æthelburh, who later became queen consort of Northumbria.
Another notable figure named Berthe was Bertha of Savoy, who was the wife of Robert II of Scotland. She is known for having brought the Scottish royal family to France during her husband's exile in 1093, where they were hosted by King Philip I.
Throughout history, the name Berthe has been associated with strength, courage, and intelligence. Despite its once-popularity, however, it has become quite rare today. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and powerful choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.
The statistics regarding the name Berthe in the United States show a varied but overall declining trend over the years from 1890 to 1929. The highest number of births was recorded in 1916 with 14 births, while the lowest occurred in 1890 and 1893 with only 6 births each.
The name Berthe experienced a peak in popularity between 1912 and 1915, with an average of 12 births per year during this period. However, after 1915, the number of babies named Berthe began to decrease steadily, averaging around 8 births per year from 1917 to 1926.
Interestingly, there was another slight increase in popularity between 1923 and 1924, with 11 births each year. However, this was not sustained, and the number of births fell back to an average of around 6-8 per year until 1929.
Overall, while Berthe was once a popular name in the early 20th century United States, its popularity has declined significantly over time. Despite this, it is still possible to find individuals named Berthe today, and their unique name may serve as a connection to the past and the stories of those who bore it in previous generations.