Boy
Latin
2 syllables
Martin
MAR-tin
/ˈmɑːr.tɪn/
"In the spirit of the warrior-saint" — a name that built the modern world
Martin is the English form of the Latin Martinus, derived from Mars, the Roman god of war. Its most famous early bearer was Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century Roman soldier who became a Christian bishop and patron of France. The name was further spread by Martin Luther, who sparked the Protestant Reformation, and by Martin Luther King Jr., the American civil rights leader. Few names have shaped history more profoundly.
Quick Facts
Letters6
SyllablesMar · tin
GenderBoy
OriginLatin
Root WordMartinus
MeaningOf Mars; warlike
PopularityCommon
Peak Year1955
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayNovember 11
Nicknames
MartyMart
About the Name Martin
Martin means 'of Mars' or 'warlike,' from the Latin Martinus. Mars was the Roman god of war and agriculture. Ironically, the name's most famous bearer, Saint Martin, was known for his peaceable, charitable nature — proving that a warrior's name can belong to a gentle saint.
Martin was most popular in the mid-20th century, ranking in the US top 50. It has declined from that peak but remains a steady, respected name. In Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and Spain (as Martín), it continues to be widely used.
Martin is associated with intelligence, moral courage, and a strong sense of justice. People named Martin are often seen as principled, thoughtful, and determined. The name's association with Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. gives it an almost prophetic weight.
Martin pairs well with both classic and historically resonant middle names: Martin James, Martin Alexander, and Martin Thomas all flow naturally. Martin Luther is famously meaningful for those wishing to honor the reformer.
Martin is the English form of the Latin Martinus, associated with Mars the Roman god of war. It gained widespread use in medieval Europe through veneration of Saint Martin of Tours, whose feast day on November 11 was one of the most important dates in the medieval calendar.
Marty is the most common and affectionate nickname for Martin. Mart is more concise. Both have a friendly, approachable feel. In Spanish-speaking contexts, Martín may be shortened to Tin or Tino.
Personality of Martin
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Martin
Creativity
72%
Elegance
68%
Independence
82%
Intelligence
84%
Strength
80%
Warmth
78%
Famous People Named Martin
M
Martin Luther King Jr.
American civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
M
Martin Luther
German theologian who sparked the Protestant Reformation in 1517
S
Saint Martin of Tours
4th-century Roman soldier turned bishop, patron saint of France
M
Martin Scorsese
American film director known for Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, and The Departed
Middle Names for Martin
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Martin
Martin Martin James
Martin Martin Alexander
Martin Martin Thomas
Martin Martin William
Martin Martin Joseph
Martin Martin Francis
Martin Martin David
Martin Martin George
Martin Martin Luther
Martin Martin Edward
Names Similar to Martin
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Martin
316 AD
Saint Martin of Tours born; his charity and faith make him the patron saint of France
1483
Martin Luther born in Eisleben; he will transform Christianity with the Reformation
1929
Martin Luther King Jr. born in Atlanta; he will lead the American civil rights movement
1955
Martin peaks in US popularity; remains a steady, respected name worldwide
Numerology & Symbolism of Martin
3
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Scorpio
9
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Deep Red
💎
Lucky Stone
Garnet
🌸
Lucky Flower
Red Poppy
Martin Around the World
How Martin is written in different languages and scripts
مارتن
Arabic
マーティン
Japanese
Мартин
Russian
마틴
Korean
马丁
Chinese
Μαρτίνος
Greek
मार्टिन
Hindi
מרטין
Hebrew
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