Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Martin originates from the Latin 'Martinus', meaning 'of Mars' or 'warlike'. It evolved through various languages including Old French and Middle English. The name is linked to strength and has no direct biblical relevance. It gained prominence in the medieval period due to the influence of Saint Martin of Tours. Today, it is a widely recognized name with several variants and is often viewed positively.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːrtɪn/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Martin is derived from the Latin name 'Martinus', which is a diminutive form of 'Mars', the Roman god of war.
Meaning
Of Mars, warlike
Language Evolution
Martinus, Martinus (Latin), Martin (Old French), Martin (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name Martin gained popularity in the early medieval period, particularly due to Saint Martin of Tours, who became a significant figure in Christianity.
Variants & Derivatives
Martine, Martyn, Martina, Marty
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Martin is perceived as a classic and timeless name, often associated with strength and reliability.
Famous People
Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Scorsese, Martin Sheen, Martin Freeman
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,088 peak births in 1963
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 80th of 7545 | 38,567 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 86th of 6773 | 43,407 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 80th of 7552 | 93,956 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 105th of 10718 | 47,310 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 123rd of 16616 | 39,994 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 204th of 24088 | 29,098 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 281st of 23106 | 14,983 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2434th of 9107 | 234 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2460th of 9204 | 230 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2994th of 12526 | 289 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3276th of 19264 | 329 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4447th of 27321 | 327 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 19106th of 35406 | 45 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
5.58% 79th/1416 |
3.84% 53rd/1379 |
5.87% 139th/2366 |
7.79% 89th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
6.14% 95th/1546 |
3.15% 49th/1556 |
6.59% 155th/2353 |
6.59% 102nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.92% 65th/2227 |
2.43% 59th/2430 |
4.03% 115th/2853 |
2.13% 59th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
3.47% 102nd/2937 |
2.53% 88th/3483 |
3.67% 129th/3518 |
2.00% 81st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.91% 144th/3685 |
3.08% 138th/4475 |
2.91% 151st/5194 |
1.50% 95th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
5.48% 251st/4582 |
4.32% 223rd/5164 |
3.04% 222nd/7313 |
2.14% 160th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.33% 332nd/3984 |
6.37% 286th/4487 |
4.56% 311th/6822 |
3.70% 232nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
93.51% 1455th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
83.21% 2374th/2853 |
94.59% 2625th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
77.32% 2720th/3518 |
63.13% 2553rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
100.00% 3685th/3685 |
- |
86.39% 4487th/5194 |
37.06% 2341st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Mexico across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 80th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 86th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 80th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 105th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 123rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 204th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 281st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2434th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2460th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2994th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3276th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4447th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 19106th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.