Mario

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAR-ee-oh /ˈmɑːr.i.oʊ/High

Meaning: Italian and Spanish form of Marius, derived from the Roman family name linked to Mars, the god of war, or from Latin 'mas' meaning 'male, manly'High

In 30 seconds: Mario is a classic Italian and Spanish favorite with deep Roman roots. Tied to Mars, god of war, it blends strength and romance — and remains widely recognized across cultures.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighLatin, Italian

MeaningItalian and Spanish form of Marius, derived from the Roman family name linked to Mars, the god of war, or from Latin 'mas' meaning 'male, manly'

U.S. rank (2025)#438 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births721 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1980

Total births (all-time)≈ 151,290

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Mario is the Italian and Spanish form of the Latin name Marius, an ancient Roman family name. Its connection to Mars, the Roman god of war, is traditional though linguists note the link may be folk etymology rather than direct derivation. The name was borne by several early Christian saints, which helped spread it through Catholic Europe.

In the 20th century Mario became a signature Italian-American name in the United States, popularized by waves of immigration. It has been used consistently in the U.S. top 200 for decades and remains strong throughout Latin America and southern Europe.

Did you know? Mario is one of the most recognized names worldwide partly due to Nintendo's Super Mario franchise, introduced in 1981 — making it a pop-culture staple for multiple generations.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Mario — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MariusMarcoMarino

Nicknames

MarRio

Famous Bearers

★Mario Andretti (1940–present)
Italian-American racing legend and Formula One World Champion
★Mario Vargas Llosa (1936–2025)
Peruvian Nobel Prize-winning author

If you like Mario…

Marco— Italian classic with the same warm Mediterranean feel

Lorenzo— shares the Italian heritage and romantic sound

Leo— short, strong Latin-rooted name with similar timeless appeal

Dante— another Italian literary and cultural icon name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Mario mean?

Mario derives from the Roman family name Marius, traditionally linked to Mars, the Roman god of war, and possibly from Latin 'mas' meaning manly or virile.

How do you pronounce Mario?

Mario is pronounced MAR-ee-oh /ˈmɑːr.i.oʊ/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Mario a popular name?

Yes. Mario has been a consistent top-200 boys' name in the U.S. for decades and is especially popular in Italy, Spain, and Latin America.

What is the origin of the name Mario?

Mario is the Italian and Spanish form of the Latin Marius, a Roman clan name associated with Mars, the god of war.