Empress Ma, formally Empress Mingde (literally "the understanding and virtuous empress") (40AD-79AD), was an empress during Han Dynasty. Her husband was Emperor Ming.

In 57 AD, Emperor Guangwu died, and Crown Prince Zhuang ascended the throne as Emperor Ming. Consort Ma became an imperial consort. In 60, Empress Ma became empress and her son Prince Da became crown prince.

Empress Ma was described as humble and solemn and she loved reading. She often wore the less expensive white silk without elaborate designs. The imperial consorts and princesses were all surprised by how thrifty she was and yet impressed by her. Emperor Ming often consulted her on important matters of state when he could not make a decision quickly. She would analyze the issues carefully and come up with good suggestions. It is said she never requested favors for her brothers and cousins. Because of this, Emperor Ming continued to respect her and love her.

In 75, Emperor Ming died, and Crown Prince Da ascended the throne as Emperor Zhang. Empress Ma became empress dowager. Emperor Zhang, who was close to Empress Dowager Ma's brothers wanted to promote them quickly, but Empress Dowager Ma did not urge it. They did all become important court officials, however. In 77, when Emperor Zhang wanted to further create his uncles high level officials, Empress Ma refused. She further ordered the local governments not to accept improper requests from the Ma family. If there were members of Ma or other closely-related families who live exuberantly, Empress Dowager Ma would remove their names from the rolls of the nobles and exile them.

Empress Dowager Ma also established a textile factory and a mulberry garden for silkworms, which became a fairly productive industry for the imperial household. In her spare time, she often discussed important matters of state with Emperor Zhang and taught his sons the Confucian classics — particularly the Analects of Confucius.