Origin & Meaning of the Martin Surname
What does the last name Martin mean?
The surname Martin carries the meaning "From the Latin Martinus, honoring Mars the Roman god of war." It is derived from the Latin language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 702,625 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Martin ranks as the #20 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Martin come from?
The Martin surname has its roots in English/French heritage. Names of English/French origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Martin name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Martin trace back to Latin. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Martin |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Latin Martinus, honoring Mars the Roman god of war |
| Origin | English/French |
| Language | Latin |
| US Rank (2010) | #20 |
| US Count (2010) | 702,625 |
| Per 100K People | 238.19 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Martin
According to the US Census, the Martin surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 702,625 Americans with the Martin last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.8% |
| Black | 15.76% |
| Hispanic | 5.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.9% |
| Native American | 0.98% |
| Two or More Races | 2.02% |
Popularity of Martin Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Martin surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Martin surname increased by 29,914 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Martin
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