Martel Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Martel come from? What does the surname Martel mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Martel and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Martel Origin: What does the last name Martel mean?
The surname Martel has origins dating back to the early 7th century in Belgium, as per YourRoots data. Over time, it became more prevalent in France by the 8th century and later spread to England in the 13th century. By the 15th century, records of the Martel family also appeared in Spain, showcasing the global spread of the surname.
YourRoots data confirms the significant presence of the Martel surname in Canada by the 17th century, surpassing even France in terms of records. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, solidifying the Martel name's prominence in countries like Canada, Belgium, France, England, and Spain, as well as in other regions worldwide.
Martel Last Name History: Where did the last name Martel come from?
Origin of Martel Surname: Where does the last name Martel originate from?
YourRoots data shows that the surname Martel first appeared in records from Belgium around the early 7th century. It is important to note that this data only pertains to the exact “Martel” spelling in the YourRoots database and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Martel: What does the Martel surname history look like in the early days?
The “Martel” surname initially appeared in Belgium, but by the 8th century, it became more prevalent in France. It remained strongly associated with France until the 13th century when it started to appear in England. By the 15th century, the Martel family records also started to appear in Spain. This information reflects the early global spread of the Martel surname, as evidenced in YourRoots data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Martel surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Martel surname grew significantly in Canada, surpassing even France. This trend remained consistent into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Martel” surname is well-represented globally, with significant presence in countries like Canada, Belgium, France, England and Spain. The Martel surname continues to be prominent in these countries and other regions worldwide.
Explore Martel last name heritage and Martel surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Martel Surame?
Charles Martel
Charles Martel (c. 688 – October 22, 741) was a Frankish political and military leader known as "The Hammer". He played a crucial role in reestablishing Frankish dominance in Gaul and famously defeated an Umayyad invasion at the Battle of Tours. Martel's legacy includes restoring centralized government in Francia and laying the foundation for the Carolingian dynasty through his son Pepin, whose son Charlemagne would become the first emperor in the West since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Martel's military prowess and political acumen solidified his place in history as a significant figure in early medieval Europe.
Sherri Martel
Sherri Lynn Martel (February 8, 1958 – June 15, 2007) was an American professional wrestler and manager known for her time in WWE and WCW. Under the ring name "Sensational Sherri," she held the WWF Women's Championship and managed top wrestlers like Randy Savage and Shawn Michaels. Martel's career spanned various wrestling promotions, including AWA and ECW. She made her mark as a fierce competitor and captivating manager, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling world. Her legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and recognized in documentaries like Viceland's Dark Side of the Ring.
Rick Martel
Richard Vigneault (Mar 18, 1956 -) is a Canadian retired professional wrestler known as "The Model" Rick Martel. He held championships in the American Wrestling Association, World Wrestling Federation, and World Championship Wrestling, including the AWA World Heavyweight Championship and WWF World Tag Team Championship. Martel started his career at 17 and wrestled worldwide, becoming a top talent in the National Wrestling Alliance's Portland affiliate. He also had successful tag team runs in WWF and formed memorable teams like Can-Am Connection and Strike Force. Martel's legacy as a skilled wrestler and charismatic performer solidifies his place in wrestling history.
Yann Martel
Yann Martel (June 25, 1963 - ) is a Canadian author known for his bestselling novel "Life of Pi," which won the Man Booker Prize. The book, adapted into an award-winning film, has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. Martel has written several other novels and collections of stories, winning multiple literary awards throughout his career. Born in Spain to French-Canadian parents, Martel has traveled extensively and now resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His diverse background and unique writing style have cemented his place as a prominent figure in contemporary literature.
Lucrecia Martel
Lucrecia Martel (born Dec 14, 1966) is an Argentine film director, screenwriter, and producer known for her critically acclaimed feature films showcased at various international film festivals. Her debut film, La Ciénaga, introduced a new voice to Argentine cinema, earning her international praise. Martel's works, including The Holy Girl, The Headless Woman, and Zama, have further solidified her reputation as a talented filmmaker with a unique storytelling approach. With a background in Greek and Latin languages and a deep devotion to storytelling, Martel's films are known for their atmospheric quality and emphasis on sound.
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