Declining since 1991, #4,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Bertha since 1880
Babies named Bertha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bertha's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 18,263 |
| 1890s | 25,125 |
| 1900s | 24,247 |
| 1910s | 40,120 |
| 1920s | 38,571 |
| 1930s | 21,234 |
| 1940s | 16,225 |
| 1950s | 11,251 |
| 1960s | 5,838 |
| 1970s | 2,717 |
| 1980s | 1,687 |
| 1990s | 1,400 |
| 2000s | 686 |
| 2010s | 330 |
| 2020s | 176 |
Meaning & origin
Bertha was once a powerhouse in American baby names. It peaked in 1883 as the 7th most popular name for girls, reflecting its widespread appeal during the late 19th century. However, its trajectory has been consistently downward since about 1991, and by 2025 it ranked 4,546th, given to only about 1 in 53,576 newborns. The name's decline mirrors the fate of many Victorian-era favorites, which fell out of fashion in the 20th century. Bertha's etymology ties it to Germanic roots meaning 'bright' or 'famous,' a meaning that once resonated strongly. Though now rarely chosen, it remains a classic choice with historical depth.
Bertha originates from the Old High German element 'beraht', meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. It is a short form of names containing that element, such as Berchtold or Bertram. In medieval Europe, Saint Bertha, an 8th-century abbess, contributed to its spread. The name was especially popular in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era, ranking among the top names for girls in the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Where Bertha is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bertie, Birdie
Variants: Berta
Sibling names for Bertha
Names that share Bertha's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Edith, Mabel, Agnes, Clara, Hilda, Dortha, Erna, Ernestina, Gisela, Vergie, Birtha, Elfrieda, Gertha, Herlinda, Alfrieda, Berneda, Birdia, Blonnie, Fredna, Girtha, Gizella, Lubertha, Margrette, Mertice, Weltha, Wilberta, Gertude, Gurtha, Hildagarde, Mirtie, Thekla, Albirda, Gerturde, Hildagard, Otillia, Walda
Brothers: Albert, Walter, Arthur, Oscar, Otto, Arnold, Herman, Adolph, Clovis, Ernie, Norbert, Warner, Adelbert, Cleophus, Gerold, Hilbert, Virgle, Aldric, Bertis, Herold, Manly, Rubert, Vearl, Wilburt, Alfonse, Bertin, Humbert, Berlie, Rodolph
