Martha, a classic and timeless name of Hebrew origin, means "lady" or "wife". It was brought to prominence by its biblical association with Mary's sister who served Jesus. Throughout history, notable figures such as Martha Washington, the wife of America's first president, have carried this name, contributing to its enduring popularity. In many languages, including English, Spanish, and German, Martha remains a familiar and widely recognized given name.
The name Martha experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike in usage between 1923 and 1936, during which it was among the top ten names for newborn girls each year. However, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, its popularity had declined significantly. Since then, the name Martha has been used relatively infrequently, with fewer than 20 births per year on average from 1961 onwards. Despite this, it remains a classic and enduring name with historical significance.