Bertha is a strong and distinctive name of Germanic origin. Its roots can be traced back to the Old German words "berht" meaning bright or famous, and "hild" meaning battle. Therefore, Bertha's meaning can be interpreted as "bright in battle" or "famous warrior".
The name Bertha has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most well-known is Bertha of Kent, also known as Bertha of Toulouse, who was a Frankish princess and the first wife of Æthelbert of Kent, king of the Anglo-Saxons in the 7th century. Their union played a significant role in the spread of Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons.
Another notable figure is Bertha von Schulthess (1856-1940), a Swiss women's rights activist and suffragist who fought for women's right to vote in Switzerland. She was also involved in various social causes, including workers' rights and pacifism.
While Bertha may not be as popular today as it once was, it remains a unique and powerful name choice with a rich history and meaningful origins.
"The name Bertha experienced a peak of popularity between the late 1800s and early 1900s, with over 20 births recorded annually from 1904 to 1908, reaching a high of 25 in 1906. However, its usage began to decline after World War I, dropping below 10 births per year starting in 1917 and remaining low until the mid-1930s when it briefly regained some popularity. By the late 1940s and into the 1950s, Bertha was barely used as a baby name, with only 6 or fewer births recorded each year."