Declining since 1991, #335 for boys today.
Popularity of Martin since 1880
Babies named Martin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1963, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Martin's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,595 |
| 1890s | 3,254 |
| 1900s | 3,346 |
| 1910s | 16,097 |
| 1920s | 24,243 |
| 1930s | 21,927 |
| 1940s | 31,402 |
| 1950s | 50,994 |
| 1960s | 49,116 |
| 1970s | 24,267 |
| 1980s | 23,226 |
| 1990s | 25,331 |
| 2000s | 18,762 |
| 2010s | 13,356 |
| 2020s | 6,645 |
Meaning & origin
Martin is a name with deep historical roots and an enduring legacy. In the latest data for 2025, it holds the 335th spot, given to approximately 1 in 1,693 baby boys. While it peaked in popularity way back in 1883, the name has experienced a gradual decline since 1991, yet it remains a solid, recognizable choice. Its track record shows a long history of use, first recorded in the United States in 1880. The name's steady presence is reflected in its geographic popularity: it is most common in the District of Columbia, Arizona, and Minnesota. These figures underscore a name that, while not trendy, carries a quiet constancy and historical weight.
Martin originates from the Roman name Martinus, a derivative of Mars, the god of fertility and war. It was popularized in the Christian era by Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century bishop known for his compassion, who became the patron saint of France and a beloved figure across Europe. The name spread widely throughout the medieval period and was borne by numerous religious figures and monarchs. It later entered English via Norman French and has remained a steady, cross-cultural classic in the Western world.
Where Martin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Martin” around the world
Where Martin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#34
in 2024
Ireland
56
babies in 2025
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marty, Martie
Sibling names for Martin
Names that share Martin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Clara, Margaret, Julia, Helen, Lorin, Marshell, Petrina, Kristyna, Mallary, Coretta, Eliska, Marcha, Marcina, Marinell, Marjo, Maryl, Melondy, Natina, Catha, Marthella, Wilmary
Brothers: Arthur, Edgar, Louis, Philip, Walter, Luther, Nelson, Marlan, Martell, Marrion, Markcus, Markey, Marnell, Marvyn, Calven, Frasier, Marbin, Maruice
Names like Martin
Names whose popularity has moved with Martin's over the last 50 years.
