Declining since 1990, #4,857 for boys today.
Popularity of Marcial since 1911
Babies named Marcial per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1991, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Marcial's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 91 |
| 1930s | 56 |
| 1940s | 99 |
| 1950s | 162 |
| 1960s | 174 |
| 1970s | 231 |
| 1980s | 336 |
| 1990s | 326 |
| 2000s | 264 |
| 2010s | 172 |
| 2020s | 91 |
Meaning & origin
Marcial is the Spanish form of the Roman name Martialis, rooted in the name of Mars, the god of war. While it has never been a common choice in the United States, it has a long history of use in Spanish-speaking cultures. According to Social Security data, the name first appeared on the charts in 1911, when it reached its peak rank of 4,857 (its highest position). Since then, its usage has declined, and it has been on a falling trajectory since at least 1990. By 2025, Marcial was given to approximately 1 in every 85,404 newborn boys, reflecting its status as a rare but enduring traditional name.
Marcial is the Spanish form of the Roman name Martialis, derived from Mars, the god of war. It was used in early Christian contexts through Saint Marcial (Martialis), a legendary 3rd-century bishop. The name has been consistently used in Spanish-speaking countries, though it remains relatively uncommon.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Martial
Sibling names for Marcial
Names that share Marcial's style, for a brother or sister.
