Marko is a name of Slavic origin, specifically from Croatia and other former Yugoslavian countries. It is derived from the given name Mark, which has Latin roots and means "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war.
The name Marko is associated with several historical figures. One notable example is Marko Polo, a Venetian merchant who traveled through Asia in the 13th century. His travels are chronicled in the book "The Travels of Marco Polo." Another famous figure named Marko is the 14th-century Serbian prince Marko Mrnjavčević, known for his heroic deeds and epic poetry.
In Croatia, Marko is one of the most popular male names. It has been used consistently throughout history and has gained international recognition due to its association with notable figures like Marco Polo. While it may not have the same level of popularity in English-speaking countries, it remains a beloved name in Slavic cultures.
The name Marko experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century-plus, with a notable rise in the late 1960s to early 1970s and again from the mid-1990s onwards. However, it has seen a recent decline since 2020, with only 62 births recorded in 2022 and 67 in 2023 thus far. Overall, there have been 4279 babies named Marko between 1892 and 2023.