What does Martin mean and where does it come from?
Initially a masculine name, Martin has also become popular for females in recent years, particularly in Western cultures. The name originated from the Latin name Martinus, which is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war. The female variant is relatively modern and can be viewed as a feminized versi
Cultural significance
Martin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of mars, the god of war.
Peak popularity
Reached #308 in 2024 — currently #335 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Martin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Martin?
Martin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Martin Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Martin John
One syllable · timeless choice
Martin Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Martin Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Martin Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Martin Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Martin right now?
Declining — down 27 spots — currently #335 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #335 | 1,009 | ▼ down 27 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #308 | 1,105 | ▼ down 20 · -4% births |
| 2023 | #288 | 1,152 | ▲ up 15 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #303 | 1,108 | ▼ down 3 |
| 2021 | #300 | 1,103 | ▲ up 11547 · +13688% births |
| 2005 | #11847 | 8 | ▼ down 5577 · -43% births |
| 1995 | #6270 | 14 | ▼ down 2355 · -46% births |
| 1990 | #3915 | 26 | ▼ down 290 · +13% births |
| 1985 | #3625 | 23 | ▼ down 10 · +5% births |
| 1980 | #3615 | 22 | ▲ up 538 · +47% births |
| 1975 | #4153 | 15 | ▼ down 829 · -21% births |
| 1970 | #3324 | 19 | ▼ down 973 · -27% births |
| 1965 | #2351 | 26 | ▲ up 863 · +73% births |
| 1960 | #3214 | 15 | ▼ down 734 · -25% births |
| 1955 | #2480 | 20 | — |
The story of Martin
Martin has been a beloved American name for over 137 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1887. More than 311,488 babies have been named Martin since 1887. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1360 in 1890 to #288 in 2023. Martin is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Martin in 2024:
Martin by decade
Martin peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,600 | |
| 1890s | 3,266 | |
| 1900s | 3,363 | |
| 1910s | 16,193 | |
| 1920s | 24,405 | |
| 1930s | 22,061 | |
| 1940s | 31,499 | |
| 1950s ★ | 51,116 | |
| 1960s | 49,336 | |
| 1970s | 24,477 | |
| 1980s | 23,458 | |
| 1990s | 25,450 | |
| 2000s | 18,777 | |
| 2010s | 13,329 | |
| 2020s | 3,272 | |
What are good nicknames for Martin?
What names sound and feel like Martin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Martin also consider these
How is Martin written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Martin?
Common questions about the name Martin
What does the name Martin mean?
Martin means "of Mars, the god of war" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Martin?
Martin is currently ranked #288 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Martin?
Martin originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Martin?
Martin is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-rtun. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Martin more of a girl or boy name?
Martin is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.