Martin

Martin is one of those names like Arthur and Vincent and George that is in the process of throwing off its balding middle-aged image to start sounding possible again, used in full without the dated Marty nickname.

Notable Martins are too numerous to mention as the name has been so well used throughout time and in so many countries. Martin became part of the basic European stock of names largely due to the popularity of the fourth century St. Martin of Tours. Also influential were the German founder of Protestantism Martin Luther and civil rights leader Martin Luther King (originally born Michael and renamed in honor of Martin Luther), eighth President Martin Van Buren, and influential philosophers Heidegger and Buber.

More current Martins include actors Sheen and Short, writer Amis, and director Scorsese. Martin Chuzzlewit by Dickens and Martin Eden by Jack London.

Martin is enjoying popularity in several far-flung countries--it's Number 4 in Chile, and in the Top 50 in Spain, Australia, France, Hungary and Norway.

Yes, a Martin revival appears to be right around the corner--if only we can think of a new nickame.