Declining since 1985, #712 for girls today.
Popularity of Martha since 1880
Babies named Martha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Martha's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 13,911 |
| 1890s | 19,415 |
| 1900s | 21,750 |
| 1910s | 59,508 |
| 1920s | 86,788 |
| 1930s | 77,697 |
| 1940s | 95,384 |
| 1950s | 83,190 |
| 1960s | 41,040 |
| 1970s | 17,926 |
| 1980s | 13,039 |
| 1990s | 9,750 |
| 2000s | 6,179 |
| 2010s | 3,743 |
| 2020s | 2,421 |
Meaning & origin
Martha is a classic name with deep biblical roots that has seen a long, gradual decline in usage over the past century. Its peak year was 1880, when it was among the most popular names in the United States, and it remained in the top 100 until 1965. The name has been on a steady downward trajectory since 1985, now sitting at rank 712 in 2025, which means it is given to roughly 1 in 4,090 baby girls. While its overall popularity has waned, it retains a strong presence in certain regions, most notably in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, where it is more commonly bestowed. Despite its falling numbers, Martha endures as a recognizable and respected choice, often associated with practicality and strength thanks to the biblical figure and figures like Martha Washington.
Martha is a feminine given name of Aramaic origin, derived from the word mārtā, meaning 'mistress' or 'lady.' It entered English through the New Testament, where Martha of Bethany appears as the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Long favored in Christian communities, the name has been in steady use in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages.
Where Martha 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.
“Martha” around the world
Where Martha lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Ireland
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marty, Mattie, Pat, Patsy
Sibling names for Martha
Names that share Martha's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ruth, Esther, Miriam, Naomi, Lydia, Frieda, Irma, Janet, Laura, Toni, Yolanda, Berta, Damaris, Dorcas, Dortha, Erna, Ester, Freida, Marry, Orpha, Rhoda, Susanna, Dorotha, Gertha, Hermon, Hertha, Johannah, Mahala, Margrett, Marshell, Reatha, Rutha, Tirzah, Vilma, Amma, Annamay, Ardeth, Camela, Claretha, Clarinda, Dartha, Katha, Magalene, Malissie, Mame, Marda, Otila, Rheba, Ruthy, Tabbatha, Willena, Zilpha, Annise, Arminta, Betania, Betha, Bethania, Dorcus, Eutha, Justa, Lucindy, Mahalie, Maryruth, Natha, Rheda, Susa, Teckla, Tersa, Thersa, Thirza, Wreatha, Arthella, Bitha, Georgean, Gretna, Magdelene, Marrian, Marthella, Mercia, Ortha, Ritha, Ruthella, Ruthia, Thursa, Vicke, Viney, Walta
Brothers: Thomas, John, James, Joseph, David, Edwin, Eugene, Grover, Harvey, Herman, Hugh, Luther, Abner, Adolph, Brigham, Conrad, Felton, Finis, Gilmer, Hiram, Judson, Millard, Rudolph, Sherman, Truman, Wendell, Woodrow, Barnett, Benard, Burnett, Calvert, Eston, Hayward, Heber, Jobe, Junious, Kimball, Lazarus, Otho, Sumner, Taft, Webster, Zacchaeus, Adams, Adlai, Alban, Bernhardt, Burr, Eliga, Geroge, Gilman, Hermann, Pershing, Plummer, Robt, Rube, Simpson, Squire, Thadius, Tilman, Zaccheus, Zebediah, Barth, Burnard, Carel, Carthel, Claudis, Duglas, Erastus, Fillmore, Hersel, Kennet, Layman, Phares, Samule, Simuel, Waldron, Byard, Capers, Custer, Leverett, Morrie, Ransome, Thadd, Wetzel, Willman
Names like Martha
Names whose popularity has moved with Martha's over the last 50 years.
