Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Martha
GirlAramaic· “lady, mistress”
- Meaning
- lady, mistress
- Origin
- Aramaic
- Pronunciation
- MAHR-thuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #713
- US babies 2025
- 393
- Best rank
- #14 (1882)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Martha
Martha is an Aramaic name that means “lady, mistress”.
Martha comes from the Aramaic word for "lady" or "mistress of the house." In the Gospels, Martha of Bethany is the sister of Mary and Lazarus, remembered for her hospitality and her busy care of Jesus and his followers. She is venerated as a saint. In the United States the name is associated with Martha Washington, the first First Lady. Martha has a warm, capable, homey image and is slowly finding favor again as part of the vintage revival. Marty, Mattie and Patty are traditional nicknames.
Popularity over time
Martha has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #14 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 1947, when 10,651 were named Martha. In 2025, 393 babies were named Martha, and it ranked #713 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #23 in 1920, #32 in 1950, #178 in 1980, #373 in 2000, #693 in 2010, and #713 in 2025. Of the 551,741 US girls named Martha since records began, 17% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 86,788 babies. Since 2010, 6,164 more have been named Martha.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Bonnie, Jane, Marilyn, Phyllis, and Gloria.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Martha ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #217 | 52 |
| Kentucky | #356 | 13 |
| Wisconsin | #382 | 14 |
| Indiana | #409 | 17 |
| Tennessee | #421 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Martha is usually pronounced MAHR-thuh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-ha”.
Middle names for Martha
A few middle names that flow with Martha: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Martha
Similar names
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Lists that include Martha
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Martha mean?
Martha is an Aramaic name that means “lady, mistress”.
What is the origin of the name Martha?
Martha has Aramaic roots. Martha comes from the Aramaic word for "lady" or "mistress of the house." In the Gospels, Martha of Bethany is the sister of Mary and Lazarus, remembered for her hospitality and her busy care of Jesus and his followers.
Is Martha a popular name?
Yes. Martha ranked #713 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Martha a boy or girl name?
Martha is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Martha?
Martha is usually pronounced MAHR-thuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings