Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Marco

Marco is the Italian version of the ancient Roman male name Marcus. The English typically use Mark and the Spanish/Portuguese generally use Marcos, but Marco is distinctly Italian. Marcus originated as one of the oldest of Roman forenames. In fact, at the time of antiquity and the classical era, Marcus was one of only a dozen or so given names used for boys. In the 2nd century Roman Empire, Marcus Aurelius, considered a philosopher-king and symbolizing much of what was good about Roman civilization, was the last of the “Five Good Emperors”. The etymological origin of the name is not certain. It likely comes from one of two places. The first is Mars, the Roman god of war. The second is from the Latin adjective “mas” meaning ‘male, virile’ which connects nicely with Mars. Either way, this name is all “boy”. The Italian name Marco became popularized in Venice around the 9th century when, it was believed, St. Mark’s relics were stolen from Alexandria, Egypt and brought there. The Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco (St Mark's Basilica in Venice) was originally built to house these relics. One of the most famous Italians names Marco (not surprisingly, a Venetian) was Marco Polo, a 13th / 14th century explorer who did much to introduce Europeans to Central Asia and China after writing about his experiences. Marco Polo’s voyages would later inspire another adventurous Italian: Christopher Columbus. Marco Polo is also the name of a children’s game played in a swimming pool. The blind “It” person calls out “Marco” while the others reply “Polo”. The blind person must seek out and “tag” others acoustically. The game is meant to symbolize Marco Polo’s meandering and newly discovered adventures throughout Asia. Today, Marco remains one of the most popular male names in Italy.

All About the Baby Name – Marco

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MARCO

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MARCO

The name Marco made his debut on the American popularity charts in 1918. Not surprisingly, the largest Italian wave of immigration into the United States took place between 1900 and 1914 during which time this lively bunch introduced a new set of forenames into the American consciousness. Marco slowly climbed the charts and finally took hold by the mid-1940s. The name ascended the charts to moderate levels of success as the decades wore on but seems to have leveled off on the Top 300 list, suggesting that it’s a name neither overused nor unfamiliar. Marco has a distinct Italian flair for boys, much like Lorenzo, Leonardo, Massimo, Giuseppe or Giovanni. It is also a favorite among Spanish speakers (the name Marco Antonio is ranked high in Mexico). As virile as the ancient god of war Mars, Marco is a strong, manly name. And given the association with Marco Polo, we found it fitting that the name’s numerology output is a Five – the natural adventurers. Marco has “European Cool” written all over him. It’s a confident name – potent, forceful and charming at the same time.

Quick Facts

ON MARCO

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Italian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

284

PRONUNCIATION:

MAHR-ko

SIMPLE MEANING:

God of War, male, virile

Characteristics

OF MARCO

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Marco

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MARCO

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Marco

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MARCO

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Marco


Popular Songs

ON MARCO

Marco-Polo
a song by Guttermouth [explicit]

Man Called Marco
a song by Adam Ant

Famous People

NAMED MARCO

Marco Polo (Italian explorer)
Marco Andretti (Indy racecar driver)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MARCO

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Marco

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MARCO

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Marco