Holding steady, #2,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Marius since 1881
Babies named Marius per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2004, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Marius's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 79 |
| 1920s | 82 |
| 1930s | 66 |
| 1940s | 24 |
| 1950s | 89 |
| 1960s | 89 |
| 1970s | 249 |
| 1980s | 182 |
| 1990s | 257 |
| 2000s | 599 |
| 2010s | 613 |
| 2020s | 315 |
Meaning & origin
Marius is a classic Roman name with a distinguished history. Its first recorded use in U.S. data goes back to 1881, when it also reached its peak rank of 2,539. The name has remained consistently in use but never entered the mainstream, with a stable trajectory in recent decades. In the 1880s decade, it was primarily given in Virginia, California, and Texas. While its exact meaning is debated, the name carries a strong historical resonance due to figures like the Roman general Gaius Marius. Marius offers a recognizable yet uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with ancient roots and a solid, masculine sound.
Marius is a Roman family name of uncertain etymology. It has been linked to the Latin 'mas' meaning 'male' or to the god Mars, but these connections are speculative. The name was borne by the famous Roman general Gaius Marius (157-86 BC). It saw a revival in Europe during the Renaissance and has been used continuously since.
Where Marius is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Marius” around the world
Where Marius lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#28
in 2024
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rius
Variants: Mário
Sibling names for Marius
Names that share Marius's style, for a brother or sister.
