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Home › Baby Names Directory › Marcus

Marcus

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAR-kus /ˈmɑːr.kəs/High

Meaning: Of Mars; consecrated to Mars; warlike; from Latin Marcus, connected to the Roman god of warHigh

In 30 seconds: A powerful Latin name connected to Mars, the Roman god of war. Marcus was one of the most common given names in ancient Rome and remains a distinguished, globally recognized classic today.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningOf Mars; consecrated to Mars; warlike; from Latin Marcus, connected to the Roman god of war
U.S. rank (2025)#258 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births1,341 boys (0.08% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1984
Total births (all-time)≈ 241,641

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198418802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Marcus is one of the most ancient Latin praenomina (personal names) of Rome, believed to derive from the name of the god Mars (god of war), giving it the meaning 'warlike' or 'of Mars.' It was among the three or four most common male names in ancient Rome. The evangelist Mark (whose Gospel is in the New Testament) bore this name in its Latin form.

Marcus has been used continuously in the English-speaking world since Roman times. In the United States it has been a consistent top-100 boys' name, particularly popular in African American communities. Its classical prestige, strong consonants, and two-syllable rhythm have kept it perennially fashionable.

Did you know? Marcus Aurelius (121–180 CE) — Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, author of Meditations — is widely considered one of the greatest rulers and thinkers of the ancient world; his name has carried intellectual prestige ever since.

Variations

MarkMarcoMarkus

Nicknames

MarcMark

Famous Bearers

  • ★Marcus Aurelius (121–180 CE)
    Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, author of the Meditations.
  • ★Marcus Rashford (b. 1997)
    English footballer and social activist, known for campaigns against child food poverty.

If you like Marcus…

Victor— another triumphant Latin name with the same Roman gravitas
Markus— lands in the same popularity range
Kaius— a fellow Latin choice
Lucius— a similarly popular pick
Linus— a fellow Latin choice

Explore names like Marcus

By meaningGod / DivineWarrior

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Marcus mean?

Marcus means 'of Mars' or 'warlike,' connected to the Roman god of war. It was one of the most common names in ancient Rome.

How do you pronounce Marcus?

Marcus is pronounced MAR-kus (/ˈmɑːr.kəs/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Marcus a boy or girl name?

Marcus is used exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Marcus?

Marcus has been a consistent top-100 U.S. boys' name for decades, especially popular in African American communities.

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