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Yea or Nay: Martha

February 6, 2010 By appellationmountain 20 Comments

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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Comments

  1. Anya says

    April 3, 2010 at 11:58 AM

    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…

    Reply
  2. Juliet says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:47 AM

    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

    Reply
  3. Janelle says

    February 9, 2010 at 2:46 AM

    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.

    Reply
  4. Panya says

    February 8, 2010 at 4:20 AM

    Honestly, I only like Martha [and Marta] when pronounced with a non-American accent.

    Reply
  5. appellationmountain says

    February 6, 2010 at 9:09 PM

    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.

    Reply
    • Bek says

      February 7, 2010 at 8:03 PM

      I really like Marta a lot, which always surprises me.

      Reply
  6. Bewildertrix says

    February 6, 2010 at 8:17 PM

    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.

    Reply
  7. Annelise says

    February 6, 2010 at 7:47 PM

    I have met several young Latina women named Martha. Maybe they will help pull Martha back into the mainstream.

    Reply
  8. Lola says

    February 6, 2010 at 7:47 PM

    Don’t forget Martha Plimpton. Goonies rule! 😀

    Reply
  9. Eva says

    February 6, 2010 at 6:35 PM

    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… 😉

    Reply
  10. photoquilty says

    February 6, 2010 at 6:31 PM

    It seems so dowdy to me!

    Reply
  11. Lola says

    February 6, 2010 at 6:03 PM

    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!

    Reply
  12. Bek says

    February 6, 2010 at 5:11 PM

    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

    Reply
  13. JNE says

    February 6, 2010 at 3:29 PM

    I think perhaps Martha Stewart is the biggest hindrance to the name, but I do like the name.

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      February 6, 2010 at 3:51 PM

      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 …

      Reply
    • British American says

      February 6, 2010 at 6:40 PM

      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.

      Reply
  14. smismar says

    February 6, 2010 at 12:39 PM

    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!

    Reply
  15. marilyn says

    February 6, 2010 at 3:59 PM

    Martha Stewart has ruined it for me, but I _wish_ I could like it!! Maybe if I could meet a cute little girl Martha.

    Reply
  16. rockingfetal says

    February 6, 2010 at 11:30 AM

    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.

    Reply

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