Declining since 1994, #1,668 for boys today.
Popularity of Marquis since 1880
Babies named Marquis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 8 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 84 |
| 1920s | 103 |
| 1930s | 79 |
| 1940s | 94 |
| 1950s | 170 |
| 1960s | 265 |
| 1970s | 1,650 |
| 1980s | 4,893 |
| 1990s | 8,833 |
| 2000s | 4,924 |
| 2010s | 2,637 |
| 2020s | 822 |
Meaning & origin
Marquis is a name of French origin, derived from the title for a nobleman ranking above a count. Its use as a given name is distinctly American, rising in the late 20th century. The name reached its peak popularity in 1993, when it ranked among the top 1,000 boys' names. In recent years, its usage has been falling, ranking 1,668th in the 2020 data with approximately 1 in 17,253 boys receiving the name. The name has been particularly well-liked in states such as South Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan. Marquis fits a pattern of adopting surnames and titles as first names, especially within African American communities, alongside similar names like Kendal, Zachery, and Cody.
Marquis is derived from the Old French 'marchis,' meaning 'ruler of a border territory,' from 'marche' (border). It was adopted as a given name in the United States, possibly influenced by the use of titles as first names among African American communities in the late 20th century.
Where Marquis 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: Quis, Marq
Sibling names for Marquis
Names that share Marquis's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aaliyah, Ebony, Jasmine, Kiana, Nia, Shanice, Breona, Diamonique, Kysha, Latonja, Nekisha, Tyneshia, Darnita, Jonesha, Lenisha, Markeita, Marquisa, Roneshia, Ronnesha, Shaquitta, Tanessa, Tunisha, Dontasia, Latoy, Lawonda, Shavelle
Brothers: DeShawn, Jamal, Kendall, Tyrone, Xavier, Deangelo, Antwaun, Damario, Ladarius, Lafayette, Tavaris, Antavious, Antwane, Antwann, Demarquis, Dmarion, Dontre, Jatavious, Jermon, Ladarious, Ledarius, Quintavious, Deantre, Jaquise, Jermarion, Kishawn, Lamonta, Martese, Rondarius, Damarea, Damarko, Dantavious, Davaris, Dontarious, Donterrius, Jahmarion, Markevious, Marquon, Martise, Monterrio, Montrelle, Quinterrius, Tarvaris, Trashaun
Names like Marquis
Names whose popularity has moved with Marquis's over the last 50 years.
