A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Martina since 1880
Babies named Martina per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1964, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Martina's real moment was 1984.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 74 |
| 1890s | 165 |
| 1900s | 232 |
| 1910s | 612 |
| 1920s | 941 |
| 1930s | 718 |
| 1940s | 952 |
| 1950s | 1,224 |
| 1960s | 2,473 |
| 1970s | 1,966 |
| 1980s | 2,793 |
| 1990s | 2,261 |
| 2000s | 1,764 |
| 2010s | 1,334 |
| 2020s | 989 |
Meaning & origin
Martina is a classic feminine name with Latin roots that has maintained steady use across many cultures. While it never reached the top tiers of U.S. popularity, it saw its highest usage in 1984, when it ranked significantly higher than today. Since 2011, the name has been on a gradual upward trajectory, reflecting a modest revival. Geographically, Martina has been most favored in states like Florida, Utah, and Georgia, indicating a preference in communities with strong Hispanic or European heritage. The name's international appeal is bolstered by figures such as tennis legend Martina Navratilova, though the name predates modern fame. Its straightforward pronunciation and familiar suffix keep it accessible, while its connection to Saint Martin gives it historical depth. Overall, Martina offers a strong, melodic choice that balances tradition with a touch of global flair.
Martina is the feminine form of Martinus, a Roman family name derived from Mars, the god of war. The name spread through Christian veneration of Saint Martin of Tours, but its widespread use across Europe was amplified by association with various saints and royal figures. In English-speaking countries, it gained modest popularity in the 20th century, notably boosted by tennis star Martina Navratilova.
Where Martina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Martina” around the world
Where Martina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
12
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marti, Tina
Variants: Martine
Sibling names for Martina
Names that share Martina's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Camila, Valentina, Gabriela, Natalia, Sofia, Alessia, Felica, Giulia, Stefania, Cristiana, Giorgia, Natarsha, Janika, Mariona, Ornella, Pietra, Anapaola, Annasofia, Batina
Brothers: Matteo, Luca, Diego, Alejandro, Sebastian, Alessandro, Carlo, Danilo, Francesco, Stefano, Arnulfo, Gianluca, Pietro, Sandro, Alesandro, Damiano, Davide, Gianmarco, Giulio, Raffaele, Valerio, Alessio, Andreu, Edoardo, Facundo, Gianlucca, Liandro, Alesso, Giano, Lumir, Mikele
