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 name Berthe experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the given years, with a high of 14 births in 1916 and lows of 6 births in multiple years including the earliest recorded (1890) and the latest (1926, 1927, 1929). The total number of births for this name over these years was 185.