Martel
Martel is a boy's name of French origin.
Meaning
Hammer; a nickname or occupational name for a hammer wielder or fierce warrior.
Origin and history
Martel is a masculine name of Old French origin, derived from a surname or nickname meaning 'hammer'. Historically associated with famous figures like Charles Martel, it serves as a distinct given name in the United States. Though uncommon, it maintains a steady, moderate presence in modern U.S. birth records.
Popularity in the United States
1,696 babies in the United States have been named Martel since 1880. It ranks #3085 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1865.
States where it is most popular
- CA (33 %)
- MI (27.5 %)
- IL (26.7 %)
- OH (7.1 %)
- PA (2.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 23 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 16 |
| 1950-1960 | 12 |
| 1960-1970 | 50 |
| 1970-1980 | 119 |
| 1980-1990 | 496 |
| 1990-2000 | 496 |
| 2000-2010 | 246 |
| 2010-2019 | 176 |
| 2020-2029 | 62 |
Famous people named Martel
- Martel Webster: Basketball player
Fun facts
- The name originally gained historical prominence through Charles Martel, the eighth-century Frankish leader known as 'The Hammer'.
- Like many contemporary given names, Martel transitioned from a French occupational surname to an English first name.