Declining since 1987, #2,884 for boys today.
Popularity of Marty since 1896
Babies named Marty per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 0 | 6 |
| 1900s | 0 | 33 |
| 1910s | 13 | 115 |
| 1920s | 92 | 177 |
| 1930s | 160 | 347 |
| 1940s | 631 | 1,152 |
| 1950s | 1,078 | 7,309 |
| 1960s | 1,043 | 12,787 |
| 1970s | 657 | 5,724 |
| 1980s | 168 | 2,030 |
| 1990s | 107 | 1,149 |
| 2000s | 36 | 605 |
| 2010s | 48 | 458 |
| 2020s | 56 | 288 |
Meaning & origin
Marty has been in use as a given name since at least 1896, but its peak popularity came in 1963, when it ranked among the most common names for boys. Since 1987, its usage has been steadily declining, reflecting a broader shift away from mid-century diminutives as standalone names. Today, with a rank of 2,884 in 2025, it is comparatively rare, given to roughly 1 in 39,723 boys. Top states for the name historically included the Midwest and Northeast, but present-day usage is scattered. Marty retains a distinctly American, informal charm, largely independent from its full form Martin.
Marty is a diminutive of Martin, derived from the Latin name Martinus, which itself comes from Mars, the Roman god of war. The name Martin was popularized across Europe through the cult of Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century bishop. Marty emerged as an independent given name in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, often as a nickname that became a stand-alone name.
Where Marty 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.
“Marty” around the world
Where Marty lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Marty
Names that share Marty's style, for a brother or sister.
