Bertha

Meaning of Bertha

Bertha is a classic Germanic name originating from the Old High German word “beraht,” meaning “bright” or “glorious.” Historically associated with medieval nobility and saints—most notably the 6th-century abbess and daughter of a Merovingian king—it carries an air of dignified heritage. In the United States, Bertha enjoyed its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, regularly ranking among the top twenty names before gradually yielding to more modern choices. Today it retains a quiet, vintage appeal: in 2024 around twenty‐eight newborn girls were named Bertha, placing it near the 920th spot in national popularity. Pronounced BUR-thuh, the name offers straightforward elegance and a no-nonsense charm for parents drawn to names with historical depth and enduring character.