Meaning: Its source is an Aramaic expression meaning "Mistress of the house."

Popularity: The name Mirtha ranked 2981st in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

Narrative: In Christian scriptures, the house-proud, bustling Martha asks Jesus to instruct her sister Mary (who is sitting at his feet listening to his teachings) to help her prepare a meal. Jesus affectionately rebukes her, saying that while Martha may be concerned with many things, Mary is concerned with the one necessary thing -- the instruction of her soul.

Thus, to characterize two people as ''Mary and Martha'' is to compare one's busyness with the other's contemplative ways.