Find out how popular the first name Marta has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Marta by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Marta is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Marta being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 61 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Marta.

The history of the first name Marta

The name Marta has its origins in the Aramaic language, which was spoken in ancient times in the Middle East. It is derived from the Aramaic word "marta," meaning "mistress" or "lady." This name was likely introduced into various cultures and languages through trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road and other ancient trade routes.

In the Bible, Marta is the name given to the sister of Lazarus and Mary, who is mentioned in the Gospel of John. This biblical reference likely contributed to the widespread adoption of the name among early Christian communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Marta can be found in the writings of the ancient Roman historian Pliny the Elder, who lived in the first century AD. He mentioned a woman named Marta in his work "Naturalis Historia."

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Marta. One of the most famous was Marta of Béthanie, a medieval French saint who lived in the 12th century and was known for her piety and charitable works.

Another notable Marta was Marta Abreu, a 19th-century Cuban businesswoman and philanthropist who was born in 1845 and played a significant role in the development of the sugar industry in Cuba.

In the world of literature, Marta Hillers was a 20th-century Austrian writer and poet, born in 1911, who gained recognition for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

The name Marta also has a strong presence in the arts. Marta Eggerth, born in 1912, was a Hungarian-American actress and operetta singer who achieved success on both stage and screen in the mid-20th century.

In the realm of sports, Marta Vieira da Silva, born in 1986, is a Brazilian professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female players of all time. She has won numerous accolades, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year six times.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Marta was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Marta, please contact us.

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