Martin

Martin meaning

Martin is a Christian boy's name of Latin origin.

Of Mars: Latin Martinus, from Mars (gen. Martis)

Also used to mean: warlike

Martin comes from Latin Martinus, a name formed from Mars, the Roman god of war, which is why name lists translate it "warlike". The Online Etymology Dictionary notes that the name owes its spread to Saint Martin of Tours, the fourth-century Roman soldier who cut his cloak in half for a freezing beggar, later became bishop of Tours, and is a patron saint of France; his feast, Martinmas, falls on 11 November. Later bearers include the reformer Martin Luther and the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. It is used by Catholic and Protestant families across India.

Source: Online Etymology Dictionary (etymonline.com), s.v. Martin · entry Martin · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026

References: Online Etymology Dictionary, Martin

Famous namesakes

• Saint Martin of Tours
• Martin Luther King Jr., American civil rights leader

Popularity abroad

• #335 United States, boys 2025 (down 27 from 308 in 2024)
  US Social Security Administration
• #363 England and Wales, boys 2025
  Office for National Statistics

Official birth registrations. India publishes no national name statistics.

Spellings

Martin · Martyn · Marten

Related names

Also meaning strength

Also starting with Mar-

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