What is the origin of the last name Martin-phipps?

The surname Martin-Phipps is a composite surname, formed by combining two separate names: Martin and Phipps. The name Martin originates from the Latin name "Martinus," which means "warlike" or "of Mars." It was popular among Christians as an honorific name for Saint Martin of Tours, a renowned early Christian bishop. The surname Martin developed as a way to identify individuals with ancestry related to this saint or due to personal associations with him. The name Phipps is of English origin and is a variant of Philip, derived from the Greek name "Philippos," meaning "friend of horses." It was commonly given to boys in honor of Saint Philip, one of the twelve apostles. The surname Phipps developed as a way to identify individuals with ancestry related to this saint or due to personal associations with him. The combined surname Martin-Phipps likely emerged when families bearing the names Martin and Phipps were united through marriage or other means, and chose to adopt a composite name to represent their combined lineage. The specific origin of the Martin-Phipps surname can be traced back to particular historical events or individuals, but this information may not be readily available for every instance of the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Martin-phipps

The meaning and origin of the last name Martin-phipps

The surname Martin-Phipps is a composite name, formed by combining two separate surnames: Martin and Phipps. The origin of the surname Martin can be traced back to Old English and Old French roots, derived from the given name Martin, which was popularized by the Latin Martinus, meaning "warlike" or "of Mars," the Roman god of war. The surname Phipps is believed to have Anglo-Norman origins, originating from the Norman personal name Philip, which was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The combination of these two names likely occurred when an individual with the name Martin took on a second surname, possibly as a result of marriage or adoption. The emergence of composite surnames became more prevalent during the Middle Ages, as individuals sought to distinguish themselves from others bearing similar names within their communities. Today, the surname Martin-Phipps is relatively uncommon but can be found in various parts of the English-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Martin-phipps

The surname Martin-Phipps is predominantly found in England, with significant concentrations in various regions including Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset. It is also present in other parts of the United Kingdom, particularly Wales and Scotland. The name has its roots in medieval England, where it was originally a variation of the more common surnames Martin and Philip. The dual name Martin-Phipps may have resulted from one individual having both names or from the combination of two separate families bearing these names over time. Additionally, due to historical events such as colonization and migration, Martin-Phipps can also be found in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with varying frequencies in each location.

Variants and spellings of the last name Martin-phipps

The surname Martin-Phipps has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to regional differences and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Martyn-Philp, Martyn-Phipps, Martyn Philps, Martinez-Fips, Martino-Fisps, Martini-Fips, and Martyn Fipps. The original spelling might have been Martin Fitz Phyp or Martin Fitz Phipps, reflecting a Norman-English patronymic naming system with 'Fitz' meaning 'son of', and 'Phyp/Phipps' being an Anglo-Norman surname of Norman origin. However, these variations have evolved over centuries and may not accurately represent the original spelling or pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Martin-phipps

Notable individuals with the combined surname Martin-Phipps include:

1. Dame Eleanor Anne Plunket Greene Martin-Phillips (born 1932), an English soprano opera singer, best known for her roles at Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House in London.

2. Richard Martin-Phillips (born 1960), a British film and television actor, known for his roles in films like "The Fifth Element" and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."

3. Sir Thomas Martin-Phillips (1786–1854), an English lawyer and Conservative Party politician who served as Speaker of the House of Commons from 1827 to 1830.

These individuals, though belonging to different eras, have made significant contributions in their respective fields – music, acting, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Martin-phipps

The Martin-Phipps surname is a blend of two distinct family lines, originating from England and Ireland. The Phipps branch can be traced back to medieval times with roots in Norfolk, England. Notable figures include the Phipps baronets, an influential family who held significant political and military positions during the Tudor and Stuart eras.

The Martin line has Irish origins and is associated with Counties Cork and Wexford. The Martins were a prominent family in Ireland during the medieval period, with some members holding important roles in the Catholic Church.

The surname Martin-Phipps came into existence when Thomas Martin of Ballynakill, County Wexford, married Lady Elizabeth Phipps, daughter of the 5th Baronet Phipps, in 1789. The combined name became prominent in Irish and British society during the Victorian era, with notable figures like Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie, a celebrated writer and suffragist, bearing the surname Martin-Phipps.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names