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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Is Martha a nice name?

79 replies

Flowerpower5 · 14/11/2023 22:41

I’m currently pregnant and expecting a little girl soon. I have always liked the name Martha whilst my husband and I have been trying to pick a name.

He isn’t keen on older names but will happily go with Martha if I like it. He originally liked Isla but then also liked Eden or Erin but then he’s not 100% on any name really, so it makes it difficult.

I feel like I’m doubting my decision though now as to whether I should pick this name because my husband doesn’t love it. I just wondered what other people’s thoughts were on Martha?

(Her middle name will be Olive after a family member).

Thanks!

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peachescariad · 15/11/2023 10:50

Martha - frumpy and risk she'll be called 'Mar-fa' and Olive doesn't go at all.
Eden - awful
Isla - lovely but popular
Erin - gorgeous.

Watchthedoormat · 15/11/2023 10:29

I like it but I think it needs a 'fresher' more modern middle name with it- not Olive.
Martha Olive gives off old lady vibes in a dull and dowdy way imo.
i understand that you will be honouring Olive and therefore would look closer at your DH's suggestions.
i think Eden Olive sounds fantastic.

SuitYouSir · 15/11/2023 10:27

Love it, we have a lovely wee Martha in the family who’s 8 and kicks serious arse 😃

I also have a friend called Martha who is around 40 and the most beautiful and kind woman! So I only have nice associations.

takemehomecountryroads · 15/11/2023 10:23

Personally I don’t like it. There are some really beautiful girls names - Martha isn’t one of them. Not helped by the fact I knew one who was really hard to get along with.

ExcitingRicotta · 15/11/2023 10:22

Love Martha! Once baby is here the obsession over the name will end. As long as he’s happy enough with it now it’ll be fine once she’s here.
Dont love ‘Martha Olive’ though…

MrsSkylerWhite · 15/11/2023 10:21

Good, strong name. Pretty, too.

DuchessOfSausage · 15/11/2023 10:20

Martha - nice, classic, inoffensive, I'd say it was just slightly frumpy but we have one in the extended family who is anything but
Isla - pretty but overused
Eden - dreadful
Erin - has mean girl vibes

ColleenDonaghy · 15/11/2023 09:12

I don't love it, also think it's having a moment as I know of a couple of little ones.

My young ones pronounce it Mar-fa as well, which I also don't love, and would be a permanent thing in some accents.

daveyfish · 15/11/2023 05:24

Martha is a really lovely name, not too cutesy or common, strong and classic, love it.

stayathomer · 15/11/2023 05:18

I think it’s stunning, one of my favourite names

MyGooseisTotallyLoose · 15/11/2023 05:14

Love Martha, there's a beautiful Tom Waits song called Martha.

user1492757084 · 15/11/2023 05:12

Martha is chic and smart.
Martha Olive makes it a little ploddy to me in sound with the two two syllable names. But Olive has special significance.

Martha Ottilie
Martha Catriona
Martha Adriette
Martha Victoria
Martha Jean
Martha Isobelle
Martha Eliza

Pokinganose · 14/11/2023 23:18

Reminds of an old lady. Plus people rarely pronounce it properly and the one I know of is called Marfffa or Ma which is even worse!

WednesdaysChild50 · 14/11/2023 23:18

It’s a lovely name

clarkkentsglasses · 14/11/2023 23:17

It's beautiful

Cupofteaandpacketofbiscuits · 14/11/2023 23:15

It's ok, but I've always felt it a bit clumpy sounding (sorry). I like the kind of vibe it gives, but I'd pick Tabitha instead for something along a similar vibe (as I see it) but a bit less clumpy. I think Tabby/Tabs are cute nicknames too. I also like Margot and Maggie as MPs have suggested. Isla is nice, but not so keen on Eden.

MissHavershamReturns · 14/11/2023 23:12

I don’t love it

SquigglePigs · 14/11/2023 23:11

I love Martha and would have happily used it but DH wasn't keen. My DD has a 4 yr old friend Martha and it suits her.

PTSDBarbiegirl · 14/11/2023 23:07

Martha is beautiful.
Lots of Eden/Erin's.

LulooLemon · 14/11/2023 23:07

Beautiful name

SkaneTos · 14/11/2023 23:06

Martha is a lovely name.

Makes me think of Martha in the Bible.

goodgriefsean · 14/11/2023 23:05

It's trendy with the old lady vibe but in my honest opinion no it's not a nice name.

preggo39 · 14/11/2023 22:43

Martha is a lovely name. If DH isn't keen, how about Margot or Mabel?

I love Olive too, I think any of those with Olive as the middle name is gorgeous.

StarlightLime · 14/11/2023 22:43

Yes, it's lovely.

Ballsbaill · 14/11/2023 22:43

No it reminds me of the scullery maid in The Secret Garden.

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