The Clan/Sept History

Martin is an extremely common name throughout Ireland, and may be of English, Scottish or Gaelic origin. The Gaelic clan name comes from "Mac Giolla Mhártain", which means 'Devotee of Saint Martin', similarly the Scots Gaelic name was "Mac Gille Mhártainn". There are also Martins who were of English origin, and came to Ireland with the Anglo-Norman invasion to establish themselves as one of the fourteen tribes of Galway. The name is now thirty-eighth most numerous in Ireland, and is most common in the western province of Connacht.