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Baby names

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

Original poster

Marta

32 replies

tankie · 05/02/2009 19:25

I watched the Sound of Music the other day and really loved this name! Any opinions?

I like that it is pronounced the same in most countries.

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mopsyflopsy · 06/02/2009 13:59

In German (and probably French and Spanish), Martha would be pronounced Marta anyway because they don't have the 'th' sound.

MKG · 06/02/2009 12:57
ShowOfHands · 06/02/2009 11:46

Was going to come and say one of my favouritest MNers is a Marta but MKG has already outed herself.

I like it actually. It's pretty and better than the ubiqutous Martha which is lovely but taking over the world now.

wotulookinat · 06/02/2009 11:42

Marta is my middle name, but I tell people that it's Martha, as that's bad enough. Don't do it.

Original poster
tankie · 06/02/2009 11:37

Tbh I think nicknames are more about the child than the name really - if a child is going to be picked on some cruel nickname will be twisted out of their name whatever it is, whereas a popular child can be named Scud and not get teased.

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girlandboy · 06/02/2009 11:07

Not sure

But probably would be called Tomato like Khara said.

I know a Marva!

missblythe · 06/02/2009 11:03

I love it. And I know I only love it because the girl in the film is so sweet. But I still love it.

Khara · 06/02/2009 11:00

I used to teach a Marta. The other kids called her Tomato!

Original poster
tankie · 06/02/2009 10:25

Yes, I think I'm probably not into overly "pretty" names for girls... I also used to live in Germany and rather like German sounding names!

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Leo9 · 06/02/2009 10:10

Hmm, I just think it's not a pretty name. But then not everyone wants pretty!

I much prefer Leisel, as you mentioned; still has that 'different' vibe but is prettier.

Katonahottinroof · 06/02/2009 09:41

Don't like it sorry, I think with the T it's a bit harsh/German sounding. Also like someone else said it's a bit too much like Martyr.
Martha is a bit meh.

branflake81 · 06/02/2009 09:37

I have always liked this name too but always wondered if it was a bit poncey to use it if no German connections

MKG · 05/02/2009 21:33

It's the M in the MKG.

Original poster
tankie · 05/02/2009 21:30

I do like Martha too, but think Marta is a bit more translatable to other languages (as lots struggle with TH sounds) and is just that bit more unusual.

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troutpout · 05/02/2009 21:01

i love it...loved both when pg with dd (6)
chickened out of Marta myself as ds kept saying hahahahah tomarta!
So we have a Martha

...it is becoming very popular though!

Lilyloo · 05/02/2009 21:00

Like it but prefer Martha (dd name incidentally) interesting what you say about nurseries it's not at all common around here.
However neither was dd1 until she started dancing there are 4 of them in her class of 12!!

dizzydixies · 05/02/2009 20:54

I have a cousin called Marta and she is Fab!

Spanish, wild, stunning and fab

ChiefMangosuthuButhelezi · 05/02/2009 19:57

My neighbour is called Marta and dh kept calling her Martha, even when I said 'no, it's Marta' so that might be annoying. It's a nice name though.

Original poster
tankie · 05/02/2009 19:54

I like Greta too, but more pronounced like Gray-ta than Gretta iyswim. Liesel is lovely too.

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RachieB · 05/02/2009 19:46

Prefer Greta !

Cies · 05/02/2009 19:34

I live in Spain where Marta is very common. It's nice. But it does seem a bit odd when we have a perfectly good English translation in Martha.

Also, in English it would be pronounced MAR-tuh, while in Spanish the 'a' is much stronger - MAR-tah. I think I prefer the Spanish pronunciation.

(Cies totally ignores the fact that the uber-popular name Isabel/Isabella is a translation of Elizabeth)

[sitting on the fence emoticon]

thisisyesterday · 05/02/2009 19:33

i love it too, but was only put off because it sounds just like martyr.

but that's no real reason not to use it

EyeballsintheSky · 05/02/2009 19:33

Hate Martha with a passion. Marta is much better.

sunandstars · 05/02/2009 19:31

Another Martha preference!

Original poster
tankie · 05/02/2009 19:31

Also, nurseries seem to be rapidly filling with Marthas these days - I'd like a name that's unusual (but not weird/made up).

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