Martinez is of Spanish and Italian origin, derived from the word 'martirio', meaning martyrdom. It was originally given as an occupational name to someone who worked in a martyrium, a place where martyrs were buried. Alternatively, Martinez could be a patronymic surname, indicating that the original bearer was the son of Martin. In Spain and Latin America, Martinez is one of the most common surnames due to its widespread use during the Christianization of the Iberian Peninsula. It has been adopted in many other countries as well, including France, Portugal, and the United States.
"The name Martinez experienced a surge in popularity among newborns in 1977 with nine births that year, otherwise maintaining consistent numbers between five to seven births annually from 1976 to 1980 and again in 1992."