The name is of French origin.The popularity of Saint Martin of Tours,the patron saint of France,made the name Martin ‘diminutive of Martius (from Mars,the god of war)’the most common family name in France,and also very common in England.It derives from a Latin personal name Martinus from Martis,the Roman God of fertility and war.There are twenty-five places named Saint-Martin in Normandy and de St Martin was a common Norman name.The story of St.Martin dividing his cloak with a beggar,followed by a vision of Christ recognizing the charitable act,was a favourite subject of medieval art.St.Martin was one of the few saint names other than old English saints found in England before the conquest.The name in its English form dates as far back as the twelfth century,were a William Martin is recorded in historical archives.One of the founding fathers to bring this name to America was that of a Francis Martin,who came to America aboard the Pemberton,he settled in St.Kitts.Harriet Martineau(1802-76) the English wri…
Coat of arms: Gules,on a chevron or,three tal…