Martell
A surname that can come either from the old French word for “hammer” or, in some cases, as a form of Martin.
The #3,234 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 27,670 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The surname Martell is usually explained from Old French martel, meaning “hammer.” In medieval usage this could point to a hammer- or mace-like weapon, so the name may originally have been a nickname or emblematic surname. Some English surname scholars also note that Martell can sometimes be related to Martin, through medieval short forms and diminutives.
History
Lower describes Martel/Martell as an old French surname, with famous medieval examples such as Charles Martel. In England the name is found early in records, and Bardsley also treats Martell as one of the forms connected with Martin in some cases. As with many surnames of long use, different families may have different origins for the same spelling.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The best-known historical bearer is Charles Martel, the Frankish ruler whose byname means “Charles the Hammer.”
From the historical record
“517 Martel, Martell, Myrtie (?). — Bapt. * the son of Martin,* other- wise * Martel * ; cf. Martle-mas for Martin-mas, common in North Eng- land. The dim. Martinet became Martnet and Martlet, hence the bird,”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames (alternate scan)