Martin

Origin and Meaning

The surname Martin is of English, French, and Scottish origin, derived from the Latin name "Martinus," which means "of Mars." It is believed to be patronymic in origin, meaning it was originally derived from the personal name of the father of the original bearer.

History

The Martin surname has a long and illustrious history, with records of its use dating back to the early medieval period. It is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries, including Great Britain and the United States.

Notable Bearers

  • George R. R. Martin (1948-) - American author known for his series "A Song of Ice and Fire," which was adapted into the popular television series "Game of Thrones."

  • Chris Martin (1977-) - English musician and lead singer of the band Coldplay.

  • St. Martin of Tours (316-397) - A Roman soldier who later became a Christian bishop, known for his acts of charity and selflessness.

Variants

Variants of the Martin surname include Martyn, Martel, Martinez (related to Hispanic origins), and Martens (Dutch variant).

Coat of Arms

The Martin Coat of Arms typically features a shield with a lion rampant, symbolizing courage and valor, and a crest with a lion's head couped.

Popularity

The surname Martin is consistently ranked among the top surnames in England, Scotland, and the United States, reflecting its widespread use and popularity.

There are approximately 139,533 people named Martin in the UK. That makes it the 28th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,143 in a million people in Britain are named Martin.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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