A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Martyn since 1917
Babies named Martyn per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Martyn's real moment was 1939.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 20 |
| 1940s | 43 |
| 1950s | 123 |
| 1960s | 102 |
| 1970s | 74 |
| 1980s | 49 |
| 1990s | 57 |
| 2000s | 35 |
| 2010s | 35 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Martyn is a variant spelling of Martin, a name with deep Roman roots tied to the god of war. In the United States, this spelling has never been common; it first appeared in records in 1917, but it has not registered a rank in recent decades. Its peak year of usage was 1939 (trajectory: rising since 2004), suggesting sporadic but persistent use. The name's appeal may lie in its classic sound with a unique spelling, appealing to parents seeking a traditional name with a twist.
Martyn is a variant spelling of Martin, ultimately from the Latin name Martinus, a derivative of Mars, the Roman god of war. The name was popularized across Europe through the cult of Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century bishop. The spelling Martyn has been used in English since the Middle Ages, though it has always been less common than the standard Martin. In modern times, the form Martyn has seen some revival, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, often chosen as a distinctive alternative while retaining the classic sound.
“Martyn” around the world
Where Martyn lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marty, Mart
Sibling names for Martyn
Names that share Martyn's style, for a brother or sister.
