What does Martha mean and where does it come from?
Martha is derived from the Aramaic word 'martā' meaning 'mistress' or 'lady'. It appears in the New Testament as the sister of Mary and Lazarus. With biblical roots, the name has been popular across various cultures. Martha Washington, the wife of George Washington, added a historical layer to the n
Cultural significance
Martha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the mistress.
Peak popularity
Reached #14 in 1882 — currently #713 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Martha?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Martha?
Martha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Martha Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Martha Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Martha Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Martha Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Martha Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Martha Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Martha right now?
Declining — down 47 spots — currently #713 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #713 | 393 | ▼ down 47 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #666 | 435 | ▼ down 21 · -72% births |
| 2023 | #645 | 1,555 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #650 | 1,535 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #655 | 1,505 | ▲ up 116 · +332% births |
| 2020 | #771 | 348 | ▲ up 14 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #785 | 358 | ▼ down 91 · -13% births |
| 2010 | #694 | 410 | ▼ down 189 · -31% births |
| 2005 | #505 | 593 | ▼ down 131 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #374 | 781 | ▼ down 75 · -16% births |
| 1995 | #299 | 927 | ▼ down 75 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #224 | 1,266 | ▼ down 14 · +4% births |
| 1985 | #210 | 1,221 | ▼ down 32 · -21% births |
| 1980 | #178 | 1,554 | ▼ down 29 · -13% births |
| 1975 | #149 | 1,790 | — |
The story of Martha
Martha has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #14 in 1882. Over 551K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #16 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #645 in 2023. Martha is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Martha in 1882:
Martha by decade
Martha peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 13,958 | |
| 1890s | 19,474 | |
| 1900s | 21,816 | |
| 1910s | 59,670 | |
| 1920s | 87,100 | |
| 1930s | 78,069 | |
| 1940s ★ | 95,670 | |
| 1950s | 83,385 | |
| 1960s | 41,180 | |
| 1970s | 18,030 | |
| 1980s | 13,181 | |
| 1990s | 9,794 | |
| 2000s | 6,089 | |
| 2010s | 3,695 | |
| 2020s | 1,176 | |
What are good nicknames for Martha?
ENGLISH
MartiePatsyPattiPattiePatty
What names sound and feel like Martha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Martha also consider these
How is Martha written in other languages?
Μαρθα
Greek), Марѳа (Church Slavic
Common questions about the name Martha
What does the name Martha mean?
Martha means "the mistress" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Martha?
Martha is currently ranked #645 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Martha?
Martha originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Martha?
Martha is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-rthuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Martha more of a girl or boy name?
Martha is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.