Marco

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAR-koh /ˈmɑːr.koʊ/High

Meaning: Italian form of Marcus, from the Latin Marticus or Martus, derived from Mars, the Roman god of war — meaning 'of Mars', 'consecrated to Mars', or 'warlike'.High

In 30 seconds: Marco is the warm Italian form of Marcus, rooted in the Roman god of war. Universally known through the medieval explorer Marco Polo, it is a name of adventure, discovery, and Mediterranean vitality.

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Origin HighLatin, Italian

MeaningItalian form of Marcus, from the Latin Marticus or Martus, derived from Mars, the Roman god of war — meaning 'of Mars', 'consecrated to Mars', or 'warlike'.

U.S. rank (2025)#370 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births862 boys (0.05% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 76,565

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Marco is the Italian form of Marcus, derived from the Latin element Mars, the Roman god of war. Marcus was one of the most common Roman praenomina (personal names). The Italian form Marco maintained the classical name's core meaning while evolving phonetically through the Italian language. Marco the Evangelist (Saint Mark) is a key bearer, with Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice named in his honor.

Marco achieved legendary status through Marco Polo (1254–1324), the Venetian explorer whose travels to Asia opened Europe's eyes to the Silk Road and Chinese civilization. His account, the Travels of Marco Polo, was one of the most influential books of the medieval period. Today Marco is a top name in Italy, Spain, and Latin America, and ranks in the US top 200 boys' names, concentrated in Hispanic and Italian communities.

Did you know? The game Marco Polo — played in swimming pools where a blindfolded player calls 'Marco' and others respond 'Polo' — is named after the famous explorer Marco Polo (1254–1324), giving this name the rare distinction of being immortalized in a childhood swimming game known worldwide.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name: Marco — Italian form of Marcus and Latin etymologySocial Security Administration Name Data — US popularity for Marco

Variations

MarcusMarkMarcMarcos

Nicknames

MarcMarky

Famous Bearers

★Marco Polo (1254–1324)
Venetian explorer whose account of his travels to Asia opened Europe to the Silk Road.

If you like Marco…

Mario— two-syllable Italian classic with the same warm, Mediterranean masculine energy

Matteo— three-syllable Italian form of Matthew with the same southern European cultural warmth

Luca— two-syllable Italian classic with the same clean, bright Mediterranean sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Marco mean?

Marco means 'of Mars' or 'warlike', as the Italian form of Marcus from Latin Mars (the Roman god of war).

How do you pronounce Marco?

Marco is pronounced MAR-koh (/ˈmɑːr.koʊ/), two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Marco a boy or girl name?

Marco is a masculine name.

How popular is Marco?

Marco ranks in the US top 200 boys' names and is a top name in Italy, Spain, and Latin America.