In the 1980s, she became less Mrs. Washington and more MTV veejay, thanks to diminutive, bib-overall wearing Martha Quinn. Today, she could fit right in with Emma and Hannah.
But after decades in the Top 100, today she’s nowhere to be seen. She charted at #617 in 2008 and has fallen steadily since the 1960s.
And so I ask – Martha, yea or nay?
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I’m disappointed to see Martha’s so low. It’s a legit name with a rich history and so much better than many of the popular names today. I met a little Martha a few months ago (which is really surpising around here). It was wonderful to hear, and she wore it very well.
I like it! It was my great-grandmother’s name and I’ve considered it (or Marta) for a potential middle name for a future daughter. I’d actually forgotten about it, so I’m going to re-add it to my list!
I think perhaps Martha Stewart is the biggest hindrance to the name, but I do like the name.
JNE, I’m sure you’re right. That’s how horribly undomestic I am – I didn’t even think of Martha Stewart!
Still, people name their kids Kobe and Tiger. Is Martha such an unworthy role model? Hmmm …
Yeah, my first thought is “Martha Stewart”, which gives me a bit of an uncomfortable association, after the ‘insider trading’ mess she got into. And maybe her ‘perfect hostess / homemaker’ kind of vibe is a bit off putting too.
Shame to have a one person association ruin a name. Though I’m not a big fan of the sound of the name in general.
Martha Stewart has ruined it for me, but I _wish_ I could like it!! Maybe if I could meet a cute little girl Martha.
I think Martha is ripe for revival. I find the name sweet but strong, and Biblical to boot. Surprised it doesn’t have more appeal. Perhaps too many people find Stewart off-putting, or find it not quite ready yet to be revived
I like Martha and now know two: one friend and her youngest. Marty is married to my buddy Rich’s cousin, Marc (or is it Mark, I forget) and they have four kids, the youngest girl is named for Mom, Martha. I like the solid, upright feel of Martha and even Stewart can’t drag it down for me. Feminine, strong & sweet, that’s Martha. Lovely name, got a solid “Yea” from me!
It seems so dowdy to me!
Yea! I really like Martha. It’s my grandma’s favorite name, which I’m not sure is a good thing or a bad thing
She said that she considered it when she had my aunt. Upon hearing this, my aunt said “Ew! Martha is an old lady with a shawl!” I don’t mind the Stewart connection, but I can’t stand Martha Coakley! I’m sure I’ll forget about her after a while… 
Don’t forget Martha Plimpton. Goonies rule!
I have met several young Latina women named Martha. Maybe they will help pull Martha back into the mainstream.
It’s nice. I enjoy seeing it in the British BAs regularly.
NZ wise I don’t think it will be coming back here any time soon although Matilda is on the up and that’s far ‘fustier’ than Martha, at least to me.
I know two grown Marthas, both around my age, so I’m always surprised when I realize just how uncommon it is. Aly has a friend with a big sis called Martha – she’s around 8. Not sure if it is a family name, but he’s William, so they may just prefer traditional choices.
And Lola, Martha Plimpton was also in Running on Empty! And I heard she’s guest-starring on Gray’s Anatomy, too.
I do like Marta – there’s something crisp about her sound.
I really like Marta a lot, which always surprises me.
Honestly, I only like Martha [and Marta] when pronounced with a non-American accent.
I’ve never been a real fan of Martha, but Marta is delightful.
For the record, it’s the same with Bertha and Berta… the th ruins the name for me, but I love a plain T.
I think if you like vintage names, this name is bliss for you. I generally land up disliking a lot of vintage names, I don’t have anything against the style, the names just don’t appeal to me because of my personality & my style. I prefer more exotic names. Martha is just bland, dowdy & a harsh name to me. It’s not very feminine.
Honestly, I dislike the whole Agatha/Martha/Bertha etc vibe. It reminds me of the Depression or the World Wars
I agree with Juliet, sort of. I do think Agatha/Martha/Bertha are too harsh/rough. I like the Polish versions of them (other than Bertha, since there’s no Polish version for it). Agatha/Martha vs. Agata/Marta. Haha
But I voted Yea since I wouldn’t mind seeing more Martha/Marta’s. Actually…
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