A Scottish, English, German, French, Irish and Welsh surname whose meaning comes from the given name of Martinus. That original name was Mars, which was the god of fertility and war for the ancient Romans.

There are numerous spellings for Martin because the word is in many nations. The different spellings include Martijn, Martain, Merten, Martinelli, Marten, MacGillmartin, LaMartine, MacMartin, Martine, Martineau, Martine and Martinetti.

The Martin name is common in England, Scotland and Ireland along with the United States and Canada. It is a popular name over the centuries with due to Martin Luther, who established the Protestant Reformation.

Famous: Max Martin (songwriter from Sweden), Sir Thomas Martin (English admiral), Dick Martin (TV comic), Dean Martin (singer and actor), John Martin (19th century artist), Joseph Martin (General during American Revolutionary War), Bob Martin (professional boxer), Peter E. Martin (auto pioneer), Judith Martin (writer) and Quinn Martin (television producer).