Find out how popular the first name Martel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Martel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Martel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Martel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Martel.

The history of the first name Martel

The name Martel is derived from the Latin word "martellus," which means "hammer." It originated in medieval France and was associated with the Carolingian dynasty.

The name gained widespread fame and recognition due to Charles Martel, a Frankish military leader and statesman who lived from 688 to 741 AD. He is renowned for his victory over the Umayyad Caliphate at the Battle of Tours in 732, which halted the Muslim invasion of Western Europe. His achievement earned him the epithet "Martel," meaning "the Hammer," for his decisive role in crushing the enemy forces.

Martel was a popular name among the Frankish nobility during the Middle Ages, particularly in the regions of modern-day France and parts of Germany. It carried connotations of strength, resilience, and military prowess, reflecting the legacy of Charles Martel's historic triumph.

One notable bearer of the name was Geoffroi Martel (c. 1006-1060), Count of Anjou, who was a powerful and influential figure in medieval France. Another was Geoffroi II Martel (c. 1065-1109), Count of Vendôme, who played a significant role in the Crusades and the affairs of the French monarchy.

During the Renaissance period, the name Martel gained popularity beyond the borders of France. Erasmus Martel (1474-1536), a German humanist and scholar, was a prominent figure of the Northern Renaissance and a leading figure in the Reform movement.

In more recent times, the name Martel has been carried by several notable individuals, such as Claude Martel (1920-2012), a French actor known for his roles in numerous films and television series. Another bearer of the name was Jacques Martel (1922-2006), a Canadian politician and lawyer who served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Martel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Martel, please contact us.

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