If you came of age in the 80s, today’s choice might conjure up DeLoreans and mad scientists.  But it would be a mistake to think of this time-traveling name as hopelessly stuck in the past.

Thanks to Another for suggesting our Name of the Day: Martin.

Michael J. Fox is best known for two roles:  Alex P. Keaton on television’s Family Ties and Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy.  While Alex and company gained during the 80s and 90s to become one of the most popular names for boys in the US today, Martin quietly faded.  He’d been a regular member of the Top 100 from 1880 to 1970.  In 1985, when the original Back to the Future debuted, he stood at a respectable #132.  Today he’s #208 – far from unknown, but certainly not trendy.

But Martin doesn’t have to be fashion-forward to retain his classic appeal.  The name is derived from the Roman god, Mars.  And while Mars might be the bloodthirsty Roman god of war, most of the best known bearers of the name are accomplished in intellectual and theological pursuits.

In fact, Mars himself donned a breastplate and shield fairly late in his evolution.  He was borrowed from the Etruscans’ Maris, an agricultural deity more about plowshares than swords.  As the Roman Empire expanded, Mars became a central figure and the name Martinus a popular choice.

In the 300s, a Roman solider named Martinus in honor of the god would transform the name dramatically.  While he’d previously been baptized as a Christian, Martin was still in the military when he met a poorly-clad beggar by the roadside on a cold day.  Martin removed his own cloak, cut it in two, and gave half to the man.  That night, he dreamt that the beggar had been Christ himself and left the army for a life of service to the church.

Saint Martin of Tours would become one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages.  The site of his grave attracted so many pilgrims that the record includes multiple expansions of the cathedral; the Kings of France were devotees of Martin, too.

The name entered widespread use in honor of the saint.  In French-speaking countries, you’ll hear mar TAN; in English, MAR tin is the accepted pronunciation.  But notables have worn this name all over the Western world, including:

• Several additional saints and popes;
• Medieval rulers of Sicily and Aragon;
• Philosopher Martin Heidegger;
• Religious reformer and founder of the Lutheran church, Martin Luther;
• Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.;
• American president Martin Van Buren;
• Filmmaker Martin Scorcese.

It’s also a common surname, and we think Martin picks up quite a bit of style as the last name of Rat Pack actor and crooner Dean Martin.

Name your son Martin today and he can confidently study abroad nearly anywhere in Europe or South America without fear that his name will be misunderstood.  Martin is a chart-topper in modern Norway, the Czech Republic and Chile.  He also ranks in the Top 100 in Sweden, Belgium and Spain.

While Martin might not have quite the throwback cool vibe of Henry or Oliver, he’s an undeniable classic with a long history of use – and one that we’d be quite happy to hear more often.