MallowbyNames

Ortha

OR-thuh · Of uncertain origin and meaning.

Peak popularity
1909
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Ortha since 1904

Babies named Ortha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ortha's real moment was 1909.

71320192019602000Most births 1923Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1900s15
1910s76
1920s116
1930s37
1940s10
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Ortha is a rare and enigmatic name that briefly appeared in the United States in the early 20th century. First recorded in 1904, its peak usage came in 1909, and it has since become virtually nonexistent. The name's meaning is unknown, likely a creative variant or a respelling of other names like Ortha or Orpha. With no top-state data and a stable trajectory of near-zero usage, Ortha remains a curiosity for name enthusiasts interested in obscure vintage names. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice, though its lack of clear meaning or cultural resonance may deter parents seeking a name with established heritage.

Ortha is a rare given name of obscure origin. It may be a variant of Ortha, itself possibly a feminine form of Orson (from Latin ursus 'bear') or a elaboration of Or- names. The name appeared in the United States in the early 1900s but never gained widespread use.

Sibling names for Ortha

Names that share Ortha's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Martha, Cora, Nora, Ola, Thelma

Brothers: Orson, Otis, Earl, Claude, Roy

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

O is for Ortha, our favorite little girl.

O is for Ortha…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Ortha's letter becomes Ortha's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Ortha's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ortha mean?
The meaning of Ortha is uncertain. It may be related to the Latin word for 'bear' or be an invented name.
How popular is the name Ortha?
Ortha is extremely rare. It was first recorded in 1904, peaked in 1909, and has not ranked in the top 1000 names for any year since the 1900s.
Is Ortha a boy or girl name?
Ortha is typically considered a feminine name, though its usage has been too limited to establish a strong gender association.