Rising since 2003, #730 for boys today.
Popularity of Marcel since 1881
Babies named Marcel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 24 |
| 1900s | 62 |
| 1910s | 646 |
| 1920s | 1,281 |
| 1930s | 877 |
| 1940s | 757 |
| 1950s | 1,035 |
| 1960s | 1,451 |
| 1970s | 1,718 |
| 1980s | 2,139 |
| 1990s | 2,793 |
| 2000s | 2,253 |
| 2010s | 2,864 |
| 2020s | 2,221 |
Meaning & origin
Marcel is a classic French name with ancient Roman roots. As of 2025, it ranked 730th in U.S. popularity (approximately 1 in 4,693 boys), reflecting a steady rise since 2003. Its peak year so far was 2022, when it saw its highest usage. Historically, the name has been most common among French-speaking families, and it first appeared in U.S. records in 1881. Today, Marcel is especially favored in Arizona, Connecticut, and Louisiana, states with notable French and Cajun heritage. The name strikes a balance between European sophistication and approachable warmth, making it a distinctive choice that remains underused in the English-speaking world.
Marcel is the French form of the Latin name Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus. Marcus is derived from Mars, the Roman god of war, thus giving Marcel the meaning 'little warrior' or 'dedicated to Mars.' The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including a 4th-century pope, which helped spread its use across Europe. In French-speaking regions, Marcel has been a classic given name for centuries, with notable popularity in the 20th century.
Where Marcel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Marcel” around the world
Where Marcel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
550
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marcy, Celly, Mar
Sibling names for Marcel
Names that share Marcel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Camille, Margot, Simone, Celeste, Lucienne, Annette, Cherie, Jeannine, Patrice, Paulette, Renee, Yvette, Alane, Aline, Arlette, Brigitte, Chantal, Claudette, Claudine, Francine, Georgette, Helaine, Ivonne, Josette, Lisette, Lissette, Lizette, Marcelle, Martine, Nadine, Nannette, Suzette, Babette, Chante, Coletta, Deseree, Genelle, Jacquie, Lizzette, Marcelina, Marchelle, Micheline, Niccole, Rashelle, Roxane, Stefania, Yolande, Amorette, Angelette, Chantele, Denette, Deserie, Fernande, Ginette, Jozette, Leontine, Liliane, Lorelle, Lorette, Lorrain, Lorrayne, Maleena, Marceil, Marcelene, Marcile, Marcille, Mardelle, Mariette, Marnita, Mechele, Meshell, Monigue, Nachelle, Ninette, Racine, Raquelle, Renette, Rochele, Sherene, Suzzette, Toinette, Yevette, Yvonnie, Anjelique, Barbette, Blondine, Caresse, Carmelle, Chantalle, Darcelle, Denyce, Desere, Dominigue, Eyvonne, Fanchon, Fleurette, Gilberte, Hortence, Jaquelyne, Larose, Laurine, Lissete, Lucette, Lyzette, Manette, Marcina, Miette, Moselle, Murielle, Nadege, Pierrette, Priscille, Rosine, Semone, Undrea, Vermelle, Yoland, Yuvonne, Yvett, Paullette, Alexine, Annick, Bertine, Breonia, Brunette, Burnadette, Chandrea, Chanele, Channelle, Chatara, Cherine, Darcella, Dennisse, Desirie, Desirre, Felicite, Florestine, Francille, Helane, Jachelle, Jacquette, Lazette, Lizzete, Maclovia, Marcele, Marcellene, Marchel, Marilene, Marionette, Marzelle, Mazella, Michille, Michole, Nicolet, Racquelle, Renaye, Rennee, Shavell, Verlaine, Yolette
Brothers: Julien, Baptiste, Antoine, Henri, Gaston, Rene, Armand, Bertrand, Lipa, Antione, Antuan, Darcel, Fernand, Raoul, Renard, Romaine, Darcell, Herve, Jamaris, Larnell, Ociel, Romelle, Toussaint, Adolphe, Delrico, Franchot, Gilles, Joffre, Leonce, Levelle, Markelle, Valmore, Jarmel, Antuane, Carmell, Demarr, Larrell, Laval, Martise, Odilon, Ovide, Raymir, Reynald, Rodolphe
Names like Marcel
Names whose popularity has moved with Marcel's over the last 50 years.
