Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Martin
BoyLatin, English· “of Mars”
- Meaning
- of Mars
- Origin
- Latin, English
- Pronunciation
- MAR-tin
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #335
- US babies 2025
- 1,009
- Best rank
- #45 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1963
Meaning and origin of Martin
Martin is a Latin and English name that means “of Mars”.
Martin comes from the Latin Martinus, a derivative of Mars, the Roman god of war, so it is usually taken to mean "of Mars." Its spread through Europe owes much to Saint Martin of Tours, the fourth-century soldier turned bishop, remembered for cutting his cloak in half to share with a beggar. Many churches and places across France and beyond are named for him. Later bearers include the reformer Martin Luther and the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The name feels steady, trustworthy and classic, and it is used in nearly every European language. Marty is the traditional nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Marten.
Popularity over time
Martin has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #45 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1963, when 6,073 were named Martin. In 2025, 1,009 babies were named Martin, and it ranked #335 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #78 in 1920, #85 in 1950, #123 in 1980, #175 in 2000, #257 in 2010, and #335 in 2025. Of the 315,561 US boys named Martin since records began, 16% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 49,116 babies. Since 2010, 20,001 more have been named Martin.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Vincent, Curtis, Barry, Jon, and Glenn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Martin ranked highest in District of Columbia, California, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #90 | 10 |
| California | #203 | 184 |
| Arizona | #205 | 41 |
| Minnesota | #222 | 29 |
| Florida | #270 | 78 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Martin is usually pronounced MAR-tin, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-in”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Marten.
Middle names for Martin
A few middle names that flow with Martin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Martin
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Lists that include Martin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Martin mean?
Martin is a Latin and English name that means “of Mars”.
What is the origin of the name Martin?
Martin has Latin, English, and French roots. Martin comes from the Latin Martinus, a derivative of Mars, the Roman god of war, so it is usually taken to mean "of Mars." Its spread through Europe owes much to Saint Martin of Tours, the fourth-century soldier turned bishop, remembered for cutting his cloak in half to share with a beggar.
Is Martin a popular name?
Yes. Martin ranked #335 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Martin a boy or girl name?
Martin is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Martin?
Martin is usually pronounced MAR-tin. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings