Martel

Martel is a surname of French origin. It derives from the Old French martel, meaning “hammer,” and likely originated as a nickname for a blacksmith or craftsman, or as a toponymic designation for someone associated with a place named for a hammer-like feature. The name is found in Francophone regions and has spread to other countries through migration and cultural contact.

Notable figures bearing the name include Charles Martel (c. 688–741), a Frankish statesman and military leader who served as mayor of the palace in Austrasia. He halted a major invasion at the Battle of Tours in 732, a turning point in the defense of Western Europe against Islamic expansion. He is traditionally referred to as “the Hammer,” a sobriquet that has reflected his historical reputation in later centuries.

Geography: Martel is also the name of a commune in the Lot department in south-western France.

In addition to its use as a surname, Martel can appear as a given name in some cases, though it is far more commonly encountered as a family name. The term appears primarily in onomastic and historical contexts, rather than as a widely used label in contemporary branding or institutions.