Martel
Below 5 births
2025 SSA
About Martel
Martel is a feminine name of French origin that initially developed as a surname meaning 'hammer.' It gained historical significance through Charles Martel, the 8th-century Frankish military leader whose nickname 'The Hammer' reflected his fighting prowess. As a given name for girls, Martel is uncommon but carries strength and distinctive character. The name conveys determination and resilience through its connection to the tool metaphor. While more frequently used for males or as a surname, its adoption as a feminine name represents the modern trend of repurposing surnames and traditionally masculine names for girls. Its crisp sound and historical associations give it sophistication and substance.
Martel is also given to boys, where it ranks #10313 in the US.
Pronounced mar-TEL.
As of October 2026, Martel ranked #10313 for boys in US births in 2025 and #11458 for girls in US births in 1981 SSA, peaked at #1150 for boys in 1983 and #9248 for girls in 1973.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | #4,417 | 23 | 12.4 |
| 2018 | #4,311 | 24 | 13.2 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |
Martel on lists
Famous Martels
- Sherri MartelGirl
American pro wrestler
- Charles MartelGirl
Frankish king, founder of the Carolingian dynasty
- Martel MaxwellGirl
Scottish television presenter
Martel in pop culture
- MartelGirl
goddess in video games Tales of Symphonia and Tales of Phantasia
- MartelGirl
snake chimera on anime "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood"
- MartelGirl
male character in David Eddings' The Elenium series
- Martel CatesGirl
male character on TV's "NYPD Blue"
- MartelGirl
"warring" (Latin) or "warrior of Mars" (German)