Surname Mertten - Meaning and Origin

Mertten: What does the surname Mertten mean?

The last name Mertten is of Germanic origin and likely began as a patronymic surname. This type of name was formed by combining the father's personal name with an suffix, such as “-s” or “-son”, to create a distinct family identity. In this case, the personal name likely comes from the Germanic root “meri,” meaning “famous” or “illustrious.”

Individuals bearing this last name could be found in Germany’s Rhineland region as far back as the 1300s, when many people carried the same name. The name first appears in written documents dating back to the 1300s, such as baptism records. As Germanic migrations began in the late Middle Ages, the Mertten surname spread across Europe and today can be found in many countries around the world.

Those with the Mertten surname are likely proud of their Germanic roots, though they may have no specific connection to any particular region in Germany. They may still be able to trace their ancestry back to their Germanic culture, as many of the customs and traditions passed down through generations still likely remain. Many of the original Germanic attributes most likely still remain part of the Merten family’s unique identity throughout generations.

Mertten: Where does the name Mertten come from?

The last name Mertten is most commonly found in the United States and Germany today. It is a German-language name, typically found in the northern and western parts of the country.

In the United States, Mertten is found throughout the midwest and northeast. It is especially common in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, where many German immigrants settled in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In Germany, the name is completely concentrated in the northern provinces, mostly in Schleswig-Holstein. This is likely because this region has a historically strong German-speaking population and the Mertten name was carried here from its original homeland.

Today, it is an uncommon name, usually found within families that have a long German heritage. This is particularly true in the United States, where it hasn't spread greatly outside of its original immigrants' communities. The name Mertten also isn't particularly easy to pronounce. As a result, it may have contributed to differences between America- and German-born members of the same family.

Overall, the Mertten name has not spread significantly since its introduction to the United States and Germany by German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Therefore, it remains largely concentrated in the locations where it has been first found.

Variations of the surname Mertten

The surname Mertten is most likely of German origin. Variations of the surname include Marten, Maerten, Maertens, Maerte, Maertz and Mertz.

Maerten and Maertens are derived from the word “Marten”, which itself originates from the Latin for “martial” or “warlike”. This likely indicates the presence of an ancestor of the surname who was known for being a brave and strong warrior. Merten is typically a spelling variant of Marten, while Maerte is also a variation of Marten.

The spelling variant Maertz is derived from “Marz”, a German name derived from the Latin Mars, the name of the Roman god of war. Finally, Mertz is a German contracted form of Maertz.

Mertten is a rare variant of the surname and as such does not have many associated spellings and surnames. However, one variation that could also be related is Martine, which derived from the Latin Martinus, which itself is derived from Martem, meaning “dedicated to Mars”. It is possible that Mertten is a variant spelling of Martine and may have evolved from a nickname given to a fierce warrior.

Famous people with the name Mertten

• Henry Marten, an English judge
• Valarie Merten, an American actress
• Stephen Marten, a British folk musician
• Louise Marten, Swedish ice hockey player
• Richard Merten, Austrian architect
• Johann Mertten, German publicist and author
• Adolph Mertten, Canadian lawyer and politician
• Gerhard Mertten, West German ordained minister
• Bernd Mertten, German journalist
• Sarah Marten, American illustrator and author

Other surnames

Merttens