Declining since 2021, #1,054 for boys today.
Popularity of Marcellus since 1880
Babies named Marcellus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 91 |
| 1890s | 66 |
| 1900s | 108 |
| 1910s | 410 |
| 1920s | 523 |
| 1930s | 359 |
| 1940s | 326 |
| 1950s | 414 |
| 1960s | 612 |
| 1970s | 818 |
| 1980s | 674 |
| 1990s | 1,032 |
| 2000s | 1,035 |
| 2010s | 1,403 |
| 2020s | 1,732 |
Meaning & origin
Marcellus carries the dignified weight of ancient Rome. Originating as a diminutive of Marcus, it was the name of several notable Romans, including the general Marcus Claudius Marcellus. In the United States, the name was first recorded in 1880 and saw a peak in popularity in 2021, when it ranked 1054th. However, its trajectory has been falling since that year, with a current 1-in-8,212 birth rate in 2025. Geographically, the name is most popular in Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana, suggesting a concentration in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Its strong Latin roots and classic sound make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth.
Marcellus is a Roman cognomen, a diminutive of Marcus, which derives from the Latin name Martius, meaning 'of Mars' or 'warlike'. In ancient Rome, it was borne by several prominent figures, including the general Marcus Claudius Marcellus who fought in the Second Punic War. The name has been used in various European languages since the Renaissance, often in honor of saints and popes, and saw a modest revival in English-speaking countries in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Where Marcellus 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marc, Marcel, Mars
Sibling names for Marcellus
Names that share Marcellus's style, for a brother or sister.
