Martínez (surname)

Martínez
Family name

Martínez is the most common surname in Navarra, La Rioja, Cuenca and Murcia
Meaning "son of Martín"
Region of origin Spain
Language(s) of origin Spanish
Related names Martins, Martinson, Martiner, Martinek, Martens, Martinov, Martine etc.

Martínez, often spelled without the acute accent on the "i", is a common surname in the Spanish language. Martínez is the most common surname in Navarra, La Rioja, Cuenca and Murcia. There are also variations such as San Martin and Martín (with an accent on the "i").

It has originated as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martín" (English: Martin). Martínez (as well as other patronymics such as Hernandez and Gomez) is also used sometimes as a component word of a multi-word surname such as Martínez del Río. Martínez comes from the personal name "Martin", which is itself derived from the Latin Martinus, whose root is Mars, the name of the Roman god of fertility and war. The name Martin became popular throughout Christian Europe after it was borne by a famous 4th century French saint of Hungarian origin, Martin of Tours.

Martínez is a widely spread surname (among other European surnames) due, in large part to the global influence of the Spanish culture on territories and colonies in the Americas, Africa and Asia. Likewise, due to emigration throughout Europe, Martínez is relatively common in countries neighboring or near Spain, such as: Andorra, Portugal, France, Switzerland and Italy.

In the United States, according to the 1990 Census, "Martinez" ranked nineteenth among all surnames reported, accounting for 0.23% of the population.[1] In France according to a 1990 census, "Martinez" ranked sixteenth among all surnames reported.[2]

The Portuguese equivalent of Martínez is Martins meaning "son of Martin". The Italian equivalents are: Martinelli, Martinolli, Martini, Martino, DiMartini, and DiMartino. The Romanian equivalent is Martinescu.

List of persons with the given name

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References

  1. ^ United States Census Bureau (9 May 1995). s:1990 Census Name Files dist.all.last (1-100). Retrieved on 2008-07-04.
  2. ^ Most common surnames in France