Surname Marterstock - Meaning and Origin

Marterstock: What does the surname Marterstock mean?

The last name Marterstock is believed to have originated in Germany. It is thought to be derived from the German word martr which means marten - a type of weasel. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname was likely associated with trapping and hunting the animals for fur.

The associated coat of arms, which features three marten or weasel heads, courage, justice and loyalty, also appears to support this theory. The motto ‘Vinces Et Reges’ translates to ‘You will conquer and rule', indicating that the family wanted to remain as leaders in Germany and Europe.

The Marterstock family spread to other countries such as the United States, where descendants of the original German family now live. In the US, Marterstock is quite a rare name, with much of the concentration being on the east coast. It has various spellings such as Marterstot, Marterstone, and Martestock.

Today, the Marterstock surname is primarily found in the US, but with a sizable population in Germany. It is a testament to the intrepid spirit of the German linage who not only summoned the courage to migrate to a different country, but also did so with a surname that continues to honor their family's legacy.

Marterstock: Where does the name Marterstock come from?

The surname Marterstock is most commonly found in Germany. Although records of the true origins of the name are sparse, its prevalence in the country suggests that it likely originated in southern Germany.

The name is particularly prevalent in the former Prussian province of East Prussia, where records indicate it was most abundantly found in the 19th century. East Prussia is now located in northern Poland and southwestern Russia, making Marterstock a relatively rare surname in Germany today. However, it does still exist in modern-day Germany, particularly in large cities like Berlin.

In the United States, the name Marterstock is primarily found in Pennsylvania and other states of the Northeast, suggesting that it likely arrived in America with a wave of German immigration in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Marterstock name can be found all over the world in places such as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and many others, likely due to its German heritage. Though relatively uncommon, it is still a recognizable name in many parts of the world, and is likely to remain so in the years to come.

Variations of the surname Marterstock

Marterstock is a surname of German origin. Variants of this name include Mart(t)erstock, Marterstoch, Martstock, Mortstock, Marttstock, Morttstock, Marstok, Marstoc, Mairstock, and Martersteck. The less common spellings such as Mortstok, Marterstoch, Marstok, Mairstok, Marstocck, and Marsterstecke are also variations of this surname.

Marterstock is derived from the late middle German word “Marstok”, meaning a wooden support or beam, and originally referred to a builder, carpenter, or timber merchant. The name was later adopted as a surname and is usually found in the region of Bavaria, Baden, and Hesse.

Other surnames which likely originated from the same root are Martitstock, Morttstock, Mortstock, Mortizstock, Martitzer, Martitzerstoch, and Mortzstok. Additionally, Morgenstock, Marttersoch, Martrostock, and Marterstack are some other surname derivatives with a similar meaning.

In the United States, the surname has been anglicized to Martese and Martisock. Hence, the bearers of Marterstock in the US may have adopted one of these variants to fit in better with the local vernacular.

Famous people with the name Marterstock

• Laura Marterstock: former journalist, best-selling author, and lifestyle influencer.
• Daniel Marterstock: professional soccer player.
• John Marterstock: retired professional baseball player.
• Jessica Marterstock: award-winning country singer-songwriter.
• Bob Marterstock: former professional basketball player.
• Jake Marterstock: successful entrepreneur and investor.
• Elizabeth Marterstock: notable actress.
• Tyler Marterstock: well-known musician and composer.
• Amy Marterstock: award-winning TV producer.
• Dave Marterstock: popular stand-up comedian.

Other surnames

Martersteig