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Bertha
Letely I've been thinking that Bertha is rather cute. It all started when I pointed out in a thread how much I hated Emma and that I'd rather name my daughter Bertha. And it's true. Bertha reminds me of Martha and I think both names sound sweet.Do you see a chance of Bertha making a comeback? Do you like it?
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I don't think it's anywhere as ugly as some people say it is (I don't why Bertha is considered so apalling when some people like Gertrude), but I wouldn't use it. I guess it could make a comeback at some point, after all the likes of Emma were considered ugly and dowdy until a few years ago.
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Maybe in another 50 years?I think the negative connotations of Bertha as a "fat name" are still strong, and it's unlikely that poor Bertha will be appreciated for what she is for another generation or two. I think Ethel has more of a chance of a comeback. although, with other formerly "frumpy" names like Maud, Matilda and Doris slowly gaining ground.... who knows!
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I only like it if it's pronounced the German way (which is how you are probably pronouncing it). I don't like the English pronunciation at all; it reminds me of blood, and pain, and giving birth.
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It reminds me of a massive WWI German cannon (Big Bertha).
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sorry, I hate it. Bertha is to easy to tease (berth or birth), and its ugly to me.
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I adore the French form, Berthe, "behrt." (As you can see, I'm a sucker for the "behr" sound.) But the English form is too similar to the word "birth" for me.That said, meeting a young Bertha would absolutely make my day. I love seeing old names revived the same way I love to see old buildings brought back to life. I don't see Bertha making a come-back. But I don't see that as a reason not to use it. Start a trend. If she doesn't like her name, she could go by the oh so chic nn of Bear. :-)
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Well, actually I SHOULD like it: It has a good meaning, a strong sound, it's traditional/old-fashioned, nothing frilly, nothing wacky about it, similar to Martha (a name I adore)....
and yet I can't stand it. And I couldn't even say why. I just don't like it and it doesn't sound in the slightest appealing to me. Same with Hertha by the way.I don't see it making a comeback anytime soon, sorry.

This message was edited 9/28/2009, 3:31 PM

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I think it's the number one most hated name in the world.But I love it. Always have. I agree it's super sweet like Martha. It was also my favorite grandmother's name.But Big Bertha has killed this name and don't think it will ever come back...
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One name I will never like...sorry!I don't know why but it just has so many bad associations--"Big Bertha" and such. I also think of crabby old ladies and giving birth.
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I do not like Bertha. It is one of the ugliest sounding names I have ever heard. It begins with "birth." I would eat my hat if it ever made anything resembling a comeback.I adore Martha though!
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