Marcus
Marcus first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1984, when 5,996 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,341.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Marcus popular?
Declining Marcus is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1984 peak.
| 2020s | 8,879 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 24,143 | |
| 2000s | 35,673 | |
| 1990s | 46,497 | |
| 1980s | 51,807 | |
| 1970s | 39,464 | |
| 1960s | 14,545 | |
| 1950s | 8,694 | |
| 1940s | 3,266 | |
| 1930s | 2,298 | |
| 1920s | 3,029 | |
| 1910s | 2,051 | |
| 1900s | 482 | |
| 1890s | 405 | |
| 1880s | 424 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Marcus mean?
Marcus is a Roman first name, probably derived from Mars, the god of war. One of the oldest and most classic of Latin names.
Nicknames for Marcus
- Marc
- Mark
Variants & spellings
- Markus
- Marco
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Marcus a boy or a girl name?
Marcus is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Marcus a popular name right now?
Marcus is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1984 peak.
How popular is the name Marcus?
In 2025, Marcus ranked #258 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Marcus most popular?
Marcus was most popular in 1984, when about 5,996 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Marcus?
Common nicknames for Marcus include Marc, Mark.