Declining since 1993, #1,333 for boys today.
Popularity of Markus since 1915
Babies named Markus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 16 |
| 1920s | 56 |
| 1930s | 23 |
| 1940s | 37 |
| 1950s | 291 |
| 1960s | 725 |
| 1970s | 1,281 |
| 1980s | 2,136 |
| 1990s | 3,487 |
| 2000s | 3,251 |
| 2010s | 2,706 |
| 2020s | 938 |
Meaning & origin
Markus is a classic Latin name with roots in ancient Rome, and it has remained steadily used in the United States since first recorded in 1915. Its peak popularity occurred in 1994, and it has since been gradually declining in use, with a rank of 1333 in 2025. Despite this downward trend, it continues to be chosen by a modest number of families, with the highest usage concentrated in Washington, Michigan, and North Carolina. The name's connection to the god Mars gives it a strong, historical feel, and it is often preferred over its more common variant, Marcus, by parents seeking a slightly distinctive spelling.
Markus is a Latin name derived from 'Marcus,' which is traditionally associated with the Roman god Mars. It has been used across Europe, particularly in German and Scandinavian countries, where it is a common variant of Mark. The name has been borne by several saints and has seen consistent use in the United States, especially in the late 20th century.
Where Markus 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.
“Markus” around the world
Where Markus lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mark
Sibling names for Markus
Names that share Markus's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Markus
Names whose popularity has moved with Markus's over the last 50 years.
