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Mario
Pronounced MAR-ee-oh /ΛmΙΛr.i.oΚ/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
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
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.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
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Mario Andretti (1940βpresent)Italian-American racing legend and Formula One World Champion
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Mario Vargas Llosa (1936β2025)Peruvian Nobel Prize-winning author
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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 /ΛmΙΛr.i.oΚ/ β 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.