Rising since 1985, #398 for boys today.
Popularity of Marcelo since 1907
Babies named Marcelo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 68 |
| 1920s | 187 |
| 1930s | 209 |
| 1940s | 195 |
| 1950s | 255 |
| 1960s | 397 |
| 1970s | 678 |
| 1980s | 796 |
| 1990s | 1,338 |
| 2000s | 2,187 |
| 2010s | 3,400 |
| 2020s | 3,515 |
Meaning & origin
Marcelo has been recorded in the United States since 1907 and is currently enjoying a period of rising popularity, climbing back up after a low point in the 1970s. It reached its peak rank of 398 in 2025, continuing a steady upward trajectory that began in 1985. The name is most common in states with large Hispanic populations: New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. With its strong Iberian heritage and melodic sound, Marcelo offers a distinctive yet familiar alternative to more common names like Matthew or Mark. Its connection to the Roman name Marcellus gives it a classical weight, while its modern usage keeps it fresh and approachable.
Marcelo is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Marcellus, a Roman cognomen derived from Marcus, which itself may come from Mars, the Roman god of war. The name Marcellus was borne by several early saints, including Pope Marcellus I, and was common among Roman nobility. In Iberia, Marcelo has been in use since the Middle Ages, reinforced by devotion to Saint Marcellus, a third-century centurion martyred in Tangier.
Where Marcelo 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.
“Marcelo” around the world
Where Marcelo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mar, Cel, Celo, Marce
Sibling names for Marcelo
Names that share Marcelo's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Marcelo
Names whose popularity has moved with Marcelo's over the last 50 years.
