Bertha

The traditional female first name Bertha is an independent short form of various names that begin with 'Bert-' or end with '-berta' or '-berte', such as Berthild, Bertholda, Herberta, and Roberta.

What does the name Bertha mean?

Bertha, a historical German name, is considered an independent short form of names that begin with 'Bert-' or end with '-berta' or '-berte', such as Berthild, Bertholda, Herberta, and Roberta. Translated, the name means 'the Radiant', 'the Shining', or 'the Famous'. Its roots lie in the Old High German word 'beraht', which means 'radiant', 'shining', and 'famous'. The name has been common in Germany since the Middle Ages and experienced a renaissance in the 19th century due to Romanticism and chivalric poetry, making it one of the most popular girls' names of that time. A well-known male variant is Bert. Other forms include Berta, Berte, Berthe, Bertille, Bertilla, Bertl, and Bertje. Bertha was the second illegitimate daughter of Lothar II, the King of Lotharingia, and his concubine Waldrada.

Where does the name Bertha come from?

The etymology of Bertha is of ancient Germanic and Old High German nature and carries the meaning 'the Radiant'. The Old High German word 'beraht' consists of elements that mean 'radiant', 'shining', and 'famous'.

How do you pronounce Bertha?

The pronunciation of Bertha is two syllables and clearly structured. In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as 'Ber-tha' [ˈbɛʁta], with the consonant combination creating a distinctive sound. The open ending provides a harmonious balance. Bertha conveys a classic and dignified impression - strong, stable, and present.

When is the name day of Bertha?

The name day for Bertha is celebrated on May 1, July 4, August 6, and November 28.

Popularity

Bertha was a prominent female first name in Germany for many decades. By the end of the 19th century, Bertha was temporarily among the most given names, reaching 10th place in 1892. In the following decades, the name initially remained present, but no longer at the high level of its best years. Over time, a long-term downward trend became evident.

Nicknames & pet names

Birdy

Similar first names

Famous people

• Bertha Arndts (German writer)
• Bertha Augusti (German writer)
• Bertha Bayer-Braun (German theater actress)
• Bertha Behrens (German writer)
• Bertha Benz (1849 - 1944, German automotive pioneer)
• Bertha Brouwer (Dutch sprinter)
• Bertha Crawford Hubbard (American artist)
• Bertha Diaz (Cuban hurdler)
• Bertha Diener (Austrian writer)
• Bertha E. Reynolds (American physicist)
• Bertha Eckstein-Diener (Austrian writer)
• Bertha Harris (American writer)
• Bertha Henderson (American blues musician)
• Bertha Hoffmann (German writer)
• Bertha Huberman (French pianist)
• Bertha Jane Grundy (English writer)
• Bertha Jaques (American artist)
• Bertha Lauterer (singer)
• Bertha Lewis (British opera singer)
• Bertha Lum (American artist)