Bertha - Name Meaning and Origin

The girl's name Bertha \b(e)-rtha, ber-tha\ is pronounced BER-thah. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "bright, famous". Latinized version of a Continental Germanic name. The name of two French saints (eighth and ninth century). Also related to the name of a Teutonic goddess. The name probably existed in England before the Conquest, and was reinforced by Norman use, but fell out of use in the 15th century. It was reintroduced into the English-speaking world by Germany in the 19th century. A German cannon used in World War I was nicknamed "Big Bertha" after Bertha Krupp, daughter of the family that manufactured the weapon. Berta is a Spanish and Italian form; Berthe and Bertine are French.

Bertha has 21 variant forms: Berrta, Berrte, Berrti, Berrtina, Berrty, Berta, Berte, Berthe, Berti, Bertie, Bertina, Bertine, Bertita, Bertuska, Berty, Bird, Birdie, Birdy, Birta, Birtha and Laberta.

For more information, see also related names Bartha and Bertrice.

Baby names that sound like Bertha are Bert and Barta.

Bertha is a very popular female first name and a popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl's name Bertha. Click here to compare Bertha with related baby names.