Martini
An Italian and broader European surname from the personal name Martin, ultimately meaning “of Mars” or “war-like.”
The #4,658 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 40,560 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Martini is a surname built from the given name Martin, itself from Latin Martinus. Martinus is traditionally connected with Mars, the Roman god of war, so the name was often understood as meaning “war-like” or “belonging to Mars.” In surname use, Martini is essentially a patronymic form: “son or family of Martin.”
History
The name is especially common in Italy, where Martini became a stable hereditary surname early on, and it also appears in other European naming traditions influenced by Latin and the Christian name Martin. Historical surname collections show Martini alongside related forms such as Martins, Martens, Martinez, and Martineau, reflecting the wide spread of the Martin-name family across Europe. In English-speaking countries it is often found through immigration from Italy and other continental languages.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Because it comes from the personal name Martin, Martini is part of one of the most widely spread surname families in Europe, with many local forms across different languages.
From the historical record
“Bel rii Barbot, 1370 ! ibid. p. 17. Barbota oior Martini, C R., 44 Hen. 1656^ Married -JeRpryBartiel lo Mar- I Maria Gwynn: Phliodclphia,"',' '”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances