Etymology

Martinus, "of or like Mars" or "little Mars", from Mars (stem Mart-) + -inus, diminutive adjective suffix.

Furthermore, the name (i.e. Mars) is likely to have been brought into Latin from elsewhere, likely the Etruscan Maris which was their name for the same deity.

Proper noun

1. originally given in honor of a fourth century soldier-saint.
3. for someone who lived near a mere.

Quotations

• 1767 Laurence Sterne: Tristram Shandy: Book IV ( Slawkenbergius's Tale ):

  Luther was not born in the year 1483, but in 84; and not on the 22nd day of October, but on the 10th of November, the eve of Martinmas day, from whence he had the name of Martin. - - - Now you see, brother Toby, he would say, looking up, "that christian names are not such indifferent things;" - Had Luther here been called by any other name but Martin, he would have been damned to all eternity - Not that I look upon Martin, he would add, as a good name - far from it - 'tis something better than a neutral, and but a little - yet little as it is, you see it was of some service to him.

• 1933 Eleanor Farjeon, Over the Garden Wall,Faber and Faber 1933, page 90 ("Boys' Names")

  What splendid names for boys there are! / There's Carol like a rolling car, / And Martin like a flying bird,

Proper noun

1. , cognate to English Martin. Feminine form: Martina.

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Proper noun

1. , cognate to English Martin. Variant: Morten. Feminine form: Martine.

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Proper noun

1. , cognate to English Martin.

Proper noun

1. , cognate to English Martin. Feminine form: Martine.

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Proper noun

1. , cognate to English Martin. Feminine form: Martina.

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Proper noun

1. , cognate to English Martin. Variant: Morten. Feminine from: Martine.

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Proper noun

1. , cognate to English Martin. Variant: Mårten. Feminine form: Martina.