Declining since 1986, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Martell since 1917
Babies named Martell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 40 |
| 1930s | 39 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 31 |
| 1970s | 108 |
| 1980s | 866 |
| 1990s | 698 |
| 2000s | 369 |
| 2010s | 327 |
| 2020s | 87 |
Meaning & origin
Martell is a rare given name with roots in the French surname Martel, meaning 'hammer'. First recorded in the U.S. in 1917, it saw its peak popularity in 1986, a time when many surnames were adopted as first names. Since then, its usage has been steadily falling, and as of 2025 it ranks 7,194th, with an incidence of roughly 1 in 155,280 newborn boys. The name has never had strong regional ties, appearing sparsely across the country. While it shares a sound with the cognac brand, its etymological connection to 'hammer' gives it a sturdy, if understated, presence.
Martell is most likely derived from the French surname Martel, which itself comes from the Old French word 'martel' meaning 'hammer'. The name may have originated as a nickname for a strong or forceful person. In English usage, Martell has been used as a given name, often as a variant of Martin or as a surname transferred to first name. Its popularity peaked in the 1980s in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Martel
Sibling names for Martell
Names that share Martell's style, for a brother or sister.
