Last Name Marton

The surname "Marton" has roots in multiple regions, but it is most commonly associated with Hungary. In Hungarian, "Marton" means "little Martin," derived from the given name "Martin." This name was brought to Hungary by German settlers during the Middle Ages and became a popular surname among Hungarians. The name can also be found in other European countries, particularly in areas with historical connections to Hungary or Germany. However, it is essential to note that last names can have various origins, and it is always possible for the same name to appear in different places due to common naming practices, migrations, or coincidence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Marton

The meaning and origin of the last name Marton

The surname Marton is of Hungarian origin and is derived from a place name, specifically a town named Marton in northeastern Hungary. The town's name is believed to have been formed by combining two words: 'márta,' meaning 'birch tree,' and '-háton,' meaning 'on the hill.' Thus, Marton could be translated as 'Birch Tree Hill.' This surname was likely first used in reference to someone who lived on or near this geographical feature. The name has since been carried by generations of Hungarian families, both within Hungary and among its diaspora. It is notable that the name can also be found in variations such as Martonius, Marthon, and Marthone, reflecting the changes in spelling and pronunciation over time due to factors like migration, linguistic assimilation, and scribal error.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marton

The surname Marton has a predominant presence in Hungary, where it originates. It is among the top 200 most common family names in the country and is particularly concentrated in the historical regions of Transdanubia, including Somogy, Baranya, Tolna, and Fejér counties. Outside Hungary, significant numbers of Martons can be found in Romania, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries due to historical migrations and cultural ties. There are also Marton families residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries, often as a result of immigration from Hungary during the 20th century. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Marton surname reflects the historical, cultural, and migratory patterns of the Hungarian population.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marton

The surname Marton can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common forms include: Martin, Martyn, Marten, Martins, Martine, Martinez, Martino, Marteen, Merten, and Mereton. These variations may stem from regional pronunciations or changes in the way names were recorded historically. Other possible spellings could be based on cultural influences, such as changes due to assimilation when immigrating to a new country. For instance, some families might have adopted a more common spelling in order to fit into their new culture, while others may have retained the original form. In any case, the root of these names can likely be traced back to the original Marton.

Famous people with the last name Marton

Notable individuals bearing the surname Marton include:

* **Vera Marton** (1934-2016), a Hungarian-American chess player who won the Women's World Chess Championship in 1962 and was the first woman to earn the title of International Grandmaster.
* **Károly Marton** (1877-1955), a Hungarian sculptor known for his work on the Heroes' Square in Budapest, as well as numerous other public monuments throughout Hungary.
* **András Marton** (born 1942), a Hungarian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including the James Bond film "A View to a Kill."
* **Csaba Marton** (born 1957), a Hungarian handball player who played for the Hungarian national team from 1978 to 1986 and won the World Championship in 1961.
* **Péter Márton** (born 1942), a Hungarian mathematician who made significant contributions to algebraic geometry, including the development of the concept of a "Marton group."
* **Emese Marton** (born 1973), a Hungarian actress and television host who has won multiple awards for her work in film and television.

These individuals represent a diverse range of talents and accomplishments, from chess to sculpture, acting to mathematics, and more.

Genealogical research on the last name Marton

The surname Marton originates from Hungary, specifically from the historical region of Transylvania. It is derived from various place names throughout the country, such as Martonvásár, Martonosziget, and Martonhegy. The earliest known record of a bearer of the name dates back to the 13th century in the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county.

The Martons spread across Hungary during the Middle Ages, with notable families settling in cities like Debrecen and Kolozsvár (now Cluj-Napoca, Romania). Some members of the family migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly Austria-Hungary, due to historical events such as the Ottoman invasions.

The Marton family played significant roles in Hungarian history, with several members serving as nobles, knights, and military officers. The name also has Jewish and Roma lineages within Hungary. Today, individuals carrying the surname can be found worldwide due to diaspora and migration during the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Marton"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 14 June 2025

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