Meaning, origin, history
Marta is a feminine given name of Aramaic origin that means "lady" or "dedicated to the gods". It is derived from the Aramaic word "mert" which means "dedicated". The name Marta has been used throughout history and has been popular in various cultures, particularly among speakers of Romance languages.
The name Marta first appeared in the New Testament of the Bible where it was borne by one of Jesus Christ's sisters. This biblical association has contributed to its widespread use among Christians. In the Middle Ages, Marta was a popular saint's name due to Saint Martha, a legendary figure who was said to have served Jesus and his disciples.
The name Marta has also been used in literature and art throughout history. For instance, it is the title character of "La Marta", a play by Spanish playwright Tirso de Molina, and it is the name of the protagonist's beloved wife in the novel "Middlemarch" by George Eliot.
Today, Marta continues to be a popular given name among speakers of Romance languages such as Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Catalan. It has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including Scandinavia and the English-speaking world. Despite its ancient origins, Marta remains a timeless and elegant choice for a girl's name.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Marta since 1880
Total births
17,349
Total since 1880
Peak year
1957
444 births
in 2023
61
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+30%
↗
vs previous 5 years