Mark is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "Mars", which is the Roman god of war. It was also the name of the second month in the old Roman calendar.
The meaning behind the name Mark is often associated with Mars and his qualities as a warrior and protector. However, it can also be interpreted to mean "dedicated to Mars" or " consecrated to Mars". This gives the name a strong and powerful connotation.
Throughout history, the name Mark has been popular in many different cultures. In the Bible, Mark is mentioned as one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. He was also known for writing the Gospel of Mark, which is one of the four canonical Gospels. Because of this religious significance, the name Mark has often been associated with Christianity.
In addition to its biblical association, the name Mark has been used by many notable figures throughout history. Some examples include Mark Antony, a Roman politician and general who played a significant role in the fall of the Roman Republic; Mark Twain, an American writer and humorist best known for his novel "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"; and Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Facebook.
Overall, the name Mark has a rich history and a strong meaning behind it. It is a popular choice for parents looking for a name with a powerful and meaningful background. Whether you are drawn to its Roman origins, biblical significance, or association with famous figures throughout history, Mark is a name that carries a lot of weight and character.
The name Mark experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike starting from around 1947. Between 1947 and 1954, there was a substantial increase in births named Mark, peaking at 42,240 in 1955. However, after reaching this peak, the number of Marks born began to decline steadily, dropping below 10,000 by the late 1960s.
From the 1970s onwards, the name Mark remained relatively stable but continued its downward trend, with the annual count ranging from around 25,000 to 35,000 births per year. The most recent data shows that in 2022, there were 1,386 boys named Mark at birth.
Overall, while Mark was a highly popular name for several decades, its popularity has since declined significantly, with fewer parents choosing the name for their newborn sons in recent years compared to past generations.