Herta is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word 'heri', meaning 'army' or 'war'. It was traditionally used as a female given name during the Middle Ages in Germany. The name Herta gained popularity among speakers of German and other languages through its association with notable individuals such as Hertha von Hohenau, a German princess known for her beauty and intelligence in the 19th century.
The name Herta experienced varying popularity over these years, peaking with 10 births in 1931 and dipping to as low as 5 births in 1918 and 1921.