Surname Märtl - Meaning and Origin
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Märtl: What does the surname Märtl mean?
The last name Märtl is of German origin, and is thought to mean 'obscurely famous'. It is believed to be derived from the German word 'mehr', meaning 'more', and the word 'tölpel', meaning 'known to many'. It is thought to have been given to those whose reputation was widespread, although not necessarily well known.
In modern history, the Märtl surname was first associated with the Bavarian village of Mongster, where the first known Märtl family settled around the year 1600. A coat of arms for the Märtl family was created in 1618, depicting a bird with half-opened wings and a crest, thought to represent the family's status within the community. Since then, the Märtl name has spread across Europe, with the surname being prominent in countries such Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The Märtl surname is often associated with a range of professions, including military service, agriculture, and engineering. This suggests that over the centuries the Märtl family have been both dutiful and innovative. Today, the Märtl name is still widespread in Europe, and is associated with a range of positive characteristics, including a strong work ethic, an unyielding spirit, and a loyal nature.
Order DNA origin analysisMärtl: Where does the name Märtl come from?
The last name Märtl is most commonly found in Germany, where it has a long history of being used. It can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, though in much smaller numbers than in Germany. In non-German speaking countries it is most typically found amongst individuals with a background of German heritage, as it is not a common last name in those countries.
The origins of the Märtl name come from the old German name ‘Martin’. It is thought to have first been used as a given name for Martinus, which referred to Mars, the Roman god of war. This is where the name derives its meaning—‘Little War’.
The most common region for Märtl is Bavaria, which makes up around two thirds of Germany’s population of Märtls. The second most common region is Greater Bavaria, making up around 10% of Germany’s population of Märtls. Other German regions where the name is more commonly found are Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Aside from Germany, the name Märtl has a presence in Austria, specifically in Vienna which makes up the majority of the country’s Märtl population. Switzerland is another nation where the name is more commonly found. It is present in small numbers in Hungary too.
In the US, the name is spread across different states due to its presence amongst communities of German heritage. The most commonly found Märtls in the US live in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, the name is found in small numbers, in particular Alberta and British Columbia.
Overall then, it’s clear to see that the name Märtl has a long history in parts of Europe and a notable presence in countries with a strong German heritage today.
Variations of the surname Märtl
The surname Märtl has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is Maertl, and it is found not only in Austria and Germany but also in some other European countries. It can also be spelt as Märtel, Mörtl, Mörtel, and Mertl. Other variants include Martel, Mertel, Martell, Mertel, and Martel.
The roots of this surname are believed to be of Germanic origin and refer to someone who works with a hammer, also known as a "Märtel". This word and surname are found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and some French-speaking areas.
The surname Märtl is also seen as an occupational surname and is found in various countries all over Europe, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Hungary. Other variants have been found in the south-eastern area of Germany and the Franconia region of Bavaria.
The surname Maertl is sometimes also seen as a patronymic surname, derived from the name Martin, originally a personal name meaning "of Mars," the god of war. This name was derived from the Latin word "martem" meaning "Mars". Other spelling variants, such as Märtin and Mörtin, are also used as patronymic surnames.
In addition, there are other variants of the surname Märtl that have been found all over the world. These include Mertz mertz Merten, Maerten, Mertl, Mertel, Martz, Martzen, and Martine. All of these are surnames of the same origin and believed to be of Germanic origin, referring to someone who works with a hammer.
Famous people with the name Märtl
- Thorsten Märtl: German film producer, responsible for a number of successful films and award-winning television series.
- Christa Märtl: Austrian film actress who has appeared in a number of international films.
- Uwe Märtl: German footballer who has played for a number of clubs, including Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich.
- Fritz Märtl: Austrian filmmaker and actor best known for his silent era comedies.
- Oswald Märtl: Austrian composer and conductor, whose works include several operas and ballets.
- Hermann Märtl: Austrian architect and urban planner who was responsible for several important buildings in Vienna during the early 20th century.
- Max Märtl: German sprinter who competed in a range of sporting events, including the Summer Olympics.
- Jakob Märtl: Austrian Olympic athlete who competed in several events, including long jump, high jump, and hurdles.
- Emmerich Märtl: Austrian painter who was a member of the Wiener Secession.
- Matthias Märtl: German contemporary artist, best known for his stunning abstract landscape paintings.