Martin
Pronunciation: [ m-AHRT-uhn ]
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Timeless strength with a legacy of leaders.
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Martin
Martin derives from the Latin name Martinus, itself from Martius, meaning 'of Mars.' Mars was the Roman god of war, making Martin a name historically associated with strength and valor. The name spread through Europe largely due to Saint Martin of Tours (316-397 AD), a Roman soldier-turned-bishop who became one of the most beloved saints of the Middle Ages.
Martin has been a staple name across Western Europe for centuries. In the United States it peaked in the mid-20th century and has remained steadily in use. The name carries enduring respect without feeling trendy, making it a perennial favorite among parents seeking a serious, established name.
Saint Martin of Tours is the patron saint of France, and Martinmas (November 11) is still celebrated in several European countries. Martin Luther, the 16th-century reformer, and Martin Luther King Jr. both gave the name an association with principled leadership and moral courage.
Historical Record
Martin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 210,684 babies have been named Martin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Martin is past its peak , currently ranked #308 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Martin of Tours is said to have cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar in freezing weather.
- Martin Luther King Jr. was originally named Michael after his father, but both changed their names to Martin in honor of the German reformer.
- The name has been borne by 5 popes.
Martin in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #308
- Total SSA Count
- 1,101
- Cultural Origins
- English French German Spanish Scandinavian Slavic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Martin
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Martin is also used as a girl name, ranked #49032.
View Martin as a girl name →Similar Names
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"lover of churches"
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Hebrew Eliyahu via Greek Elias origin
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Latin (Gaius) origin
"to rejoice, joyful"
#397 in US
Hebrew via Welsh origin
"God is gracious"
#143 in US
Old English origin
"lying flat (large book)"
#503 in US
Germanic origin
"bear strength, brave as a bear"
#186 in US
Old Welsh origin
"hawk of the plain"
#254 in US
English surname origin
"one who lives near a lane"
#261 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Martin
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About the Name Martin
Martin is a boy name with English, French, German, Spanish, Scandinavian, and Slavic origins .
Is Martin a boy or girl name? Martin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #308 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #49,032. Martin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Martin is currently ranked #308 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Martin has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHRT-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Martin include Marty, Mart, and Marto. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Martin include Marty, Martez . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis