Declining since 1985, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Marsha since 1908
Babies named Marsha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 125 |
| 1920s | 304 |
| 1930s | 2,515 |
| 1940s | 27,414 |
| 1950s | 41,552 |
| 1960s | 16,645 |
| 1970s | 10,415 |
| 1980s | 3,522 |
| 1990s | 1,042 |
| 2000s | 342 |
| 2010s | 218 |
| 2020s | 91 |
Meaning & origin
Marsha entered U.S. birth records in 1908 and saw its peak popularity in 1950, when it ranked 283 nationally. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined. Today, only about 1 in 114,805 newborns receive the name, placing it at rank 7,491 in 2025. The name is a feminine derivative of Marcus, rooted in Roman mythology, and was particularly common in the mid-20th century, especially in the 1950s. While no specific states show top usage, Marsha carries a vintage charm that appeals to families drawn to mid-century names.
Marsha originated as a feminine variant of the Roman name Marcus, derived from Mars, the god of war. It came into use in the English-speaking world in the late 19th century, partly influenced by the surname Marsh. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in 1950 at rank 283.
Where Marsha 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: Mar, Marcy, Mar-Mar
Sibling names for Marsha
Names that share Marsha's style, for a brother or sister.
