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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.

Maybe in another 50 years?

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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.

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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!

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.

It reminds me of a massive WWI German cannon (Big Bertha).

sorry, I hate it. Bertha is to easy to tease (berth or birth), and its ugly to me.

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.

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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.

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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. :-)

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.

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I don't see it making a comeback anytime soon, sorry.

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

I think it's the number one most hated name in the world.

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But I love it. Always have. I agree it's super sweet like Martha. It was also my favorite grandmother's name.

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But Big Bertha has killed this name and don't think it will ever come back...

One name I will never like...sorry!

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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.

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.

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I adore Martha though!