Origin & History

English, Scottish, and Welsh patronymic or locational surname derived from the Latin given name Martinus, itself from 'Martis', the genitive form of Mars — the Roman god of war — meaning 'of Mars' or 'warlike'. The given name was popularised throughout medieval Europe by the cult of St Martin of Tours (316–397), the soldier-turned-bishop renowned for sharing his cloak with a beggar. Martin arrived in Britain both through Norman French settlers and through the widespread devotion to its patron saint.