Formerly named San Xiao Ancorados by ships anchored nearby, but it is a popular distortion of "Encoirados," meaning leather tanneries, as they were in the Lameira river which flows into the urban center of the village.

[4] Marín is home to the Naval Academy, the only facility of its kind in Spain, which was moved from San Fernando (Cádiz) in 1943.

The King of Spain ( who also studied at the academy), visits the school each Day of Carmen (July 16) to preside over the ceremony of the Pledge of Allegiance and Delivery Offices.

With the abolition of compulsory military service in 1996, under then Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, the use of these facilities has significantly decreased.

Marín is also home to the Palace of Cadro, the oldest pazo (fortress) in Galicia and the family seat of the House of Romay.