The nameMarcus
Marcus is a boy's name of Latin origin, linked to Mars, the god of war. A Roman name, it is popular in Britain, Scandinavia and the United States.
- Boy's name
- Latin
- Feast day
Meaning
Marcus is usually linked to Mars, the Roman god of war, and is often read as "warlike".
Origin
Latin. Marcus was one of the most common Roman first names, borne by Marcus Aurelius and Marcus Tullius Cicero.
History
Marcus reached the American top 60. Marcus Rashford, the footballer, has made it popular in Britain.
Did you know?
- In 2020 the footballer Marcus Rashford led a campaign that persuaded the British government to extend free school meals.
Famous people named Marcus
- Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor
- Marcus Garvey, activist
- Marcus Rashford, footballer
- Marcus Mumford, singer
Popularity of the name Marcus
Marcus in the United States
Marcus was most popular in the United States in the 1980s, with 52,327 births over the decade, 22% of all recorded babies named Marcus. Its rise began around 1952, and it peaked in 1984. Half of all babies named Marcus in the United States were born before 1988, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,506 births a year on average, against 2,066 in the five years before.
Marcus in the United Kingdom
Marcus was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 5,648 births over the decade, 45% of all recorded babies named Marcus. Half of all babies named Marcus in the United Kingdom were born before 2007, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 244 births a year.
Marcus in Ireland
Marcus in France
Marcus in Belgium
Marcus in Austria
Marcus in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Marcus
Names from the same generation as Marcus, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Marcus? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Marcus with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Marcus side by side with the name of your choice.
Marcus in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marcus mean?
Marcus is usually linked to Mars, the Roman god of war, and is often read as "warlike".
What is the origin of the name Marcus?
Latin. Marcus was one of the most common Roman first names, borne by Marcus Aurelius and Marcus Tullius Cicero.
Is Marcus a girl's or a boy's name?
Marcus is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Marcus?
In 2024, Marcus was the 256th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,376 births.
What are the variants of the name Marcus?
Variants and related names of Marcus include Jean-Marcel, Marceau, Marcel, Marceline, Marcella, Marcelle, Marcellin and Marcelline.
What are good sibling names for Marcus?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Natalie, Juliana, Julianna and Veronica for a sister, Victor, Antonio, Paul and Francisco for a brother.
Who are famous people named Marcus?
Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor; Marcus Garvey, activist; Marcus Rashford, footballer; Marcus Mumford, singer.