Herta is a German feminine given name, a variant of Hertha. The name Hertha itself originates from a textual misreading: the Roman historian Tacitus, in his 1st-century work Germania, described a goddess named Nerthus, a fertility deity worshipped by Germanic tribes. Later copyists misread the manuscript, turning the N into an H, thus creating the form Hertha. Etymology and roots Nerthus is a Latinized form of the Proto-Germanic *Nerþuz, which is also the root of the Old Norse god's name Njǫrðr (anglicized as Njord). Njord is a Vanir god associated with the sea, sailing, fishing, and fertility, and is the father of Freyr and Freya. The name *Nerþuz likely derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *hnerto- meaning "strong, vigorous." Thus, Herta traces back to an ancient Germanic goddess and an Indo-European concept of vitality. Usage and notable bearers Herta is used as a first name in German-speaking countries and also appears as a surname. Notable bearers include German athlete Herta Berlin (though Berlins Herta is a football club), German politician Herta Däubler-Gmelin, and the fictional character Herta from a popular video game. The name has parallel forms in other languages, such as the Finnish Hertta and the direct mythologized Nerthus. The etymological connection links modern given names to ancient Germanic mythology. Summary Meaning: Variant of Hertha, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European root meaning "strong, vigorous" Origin: German, with roots in Germanic mythology via Tacitus's description of Nerthus Type: Feminine given name Usage regions: Germany, Estonia (female given name; also Faroe Islands)