Martínez (surname)

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 the Spanish regions of Navarre, La Rioja, Cuenca and Murcia. There are also variations such as San Martin and Martín (with an accent on the "i").

It originated as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martín" (English: Martin).

Among Mozarabs, the name was Arabized to "Mardanish" (e.g. Ibn Mardanish) (as well as other patronymics such as Hernandez and Gomez).

It 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", 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 saint who was active in Roman Gaul (now France), 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. In France according to a 1990 census, "Martinez" ranked sixteenth among all surnames reported.

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