Surname Mertins - Meaning and Origin
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Mertins: What does the surname Mertins mean?
The last name Mertins is of German and Dutch origin and is derived from the personal name Martin. This was a popular name in Germanic countries during the Middle Ages. The name, which originally meant 'of Mars', derived from the gods of war in Roman times and was associated with martial virtues such as strength and courage.
The earlier form of Mertins was Mertyn, and the present form supports the theory that the name was taken as a nickname for someone considered brave and strong. Notable individuals who bore the Mertins surname include the German nobleman Wilhelm Friedrich Mertins von Derwent, who was born in 1794 and served as a major in the Sigmaringen Cavalry Regiment during the Napoleonic Wars.
The Mertins surname also appears in other parts of Europe, such as in the Netherlands, where it was first used as an occupational name for a tenant farmer or a servant of a Martin. The surname also occurs as Van Mertins, with the addition of 'van' meaning 'from' in Dutch.
Today, the Mertins surname remains widespread across Europe and hints at a proud and distinguished ancestry. Its presence on birth and marriage certificates speaks of a lasting legacy of strength, courage, and resilience.
Order DNA origin analysisMertins: Where does the name Mertins come from?
The last name Mertins is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also found in the countries of Luxembourg and Liechtenstein as well as in the United States.
In Germany it is one of the 200 most common last names. In Austria it is the 148th most frequent name. In Switzerland it is the 222nd most common name. In the U.S. it is the 3,811th most popular surname, with origins primarily from Germany and other German-speaking countries.
The Mertins surname is derived from the German word "Merten," which means "strong fighter." It is believed to be a patronymic name for the son of someone with the first name Merten or another variation of the name.
There are many variants of the Mertins surname, including Merten, Martens, Meyer, and Maertens. Mertens is a particularly popular name in the northern regions of Germany.
In the United States, the Mertins surname is most frequently found in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where a large number of German immigrants settled during the 1600s and 1700s. It is also prominent in Wisconsin, Illinois, and North Carolina.
Variations of the surname Mertins
Mertins is a German surname which is derived from the personal name Martain. The variant spellings would include; Martain, Martin, Martens, Martins and Martindale. The feminine form of the name Mertins is usually Mertin, Martina or Martine.
Mertins has a variety of other surnames which come from the same origin, including: Mertink, Metinck, Mardin, Marteling, Marten, Regiment, Mert, Mertz, Mainz, and Marter, all of which are believed to originate from a similar given name.
The spelling of Mertins appears to have changed slightly over the years, however, the root of the name has remained consistent. In some instances, the spelling appears as Mertinck, or Mertink, with an 'c' or 'k' added to the end of the name.
In addition to the spellings already stated, some alternative Anglicised variant spellings of Mertins also include Martin, Mardin, Marteling, Marten, Regiment, Mert, Mertorf, Mertz, Mainz, and Marter.
Finally, surnames which are categorized as being "from the same origin" as Mertins may also include Merz, Merzin, Marius, Mertes, Merton, Marth, and Maertel. Therefore, if researching the Mertins family tree, it is worth considering all of the potential names and variations in order to get the most complete picture of familial connections.
Famous people with the name Mertins
- Guido Mertins: German politician representing the Social Democratic Party and the former permanent representative of Germany to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
- Ron Mertins: Australian rugby league player who played for Wests in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL).
- Milo Mertins: former professional football player who spent time in the German Bundesliga and Regional Bundesliga.
- Harry Mertins: American football player who played for the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers.
- Ronnie Mertins: musician and vocalist in the rock band Beverly longtime.
- Matt Mertins: American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known primarily for his work as the frontman and primary songwriter for post-hardcore band the Lawrence Arms
- Martina Mertins: Germanfield hockey player who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
- Mark Mertins: retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for the Washington Capitals.
- Margit Mertins: German athlete who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
- Jordan Mertins: American musician who has released multiple records under his own name.