Marco is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Roman clan name Marcus, which was derived from the Latin word "marcus," meaning "dedicated to Mars." Mars was the Roman god of war and agriculture.
The name Marco was popularized during the Middle Ages by the Venetian explorer Marco Polo, who traveled along the Silk Road and wrote about his experiences in "The Travels of Marco Polo." This book provided a valuable resource for Europeans seeking to understand the East. As a result, the name Marco became synonymous with adventure, exploration, and discovery.
Today, Marco is a widely used given name throughout Europe, Latin America, and other parts of the world. It has also gained popularity as a surname in various countries. Despite its Roman origins, the name Marco is commonly associated with Italian culture due to Marco Polo's Venetian heritage.
In some languages, such as Spanish and Portuguese, Marco can be used as both a masculine given name and a feminine one. In these cases, it may be spelled differently (e.g., María in Spanish or Maria in Portuguese) but still retains the same meaning and origin.
Overall, the name Marco is rich in history and culture, stemming from ancient Roman roots and gaining popularity through the travels of the legendary explorer Marco Polo. It continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a strong, meaningful name for their child.
The name Marco experienced a significant increase in popularity over the course of the century. Starting with only five births in 1910, it peaked in 2005 with 2115 births. However, since then, its popularity has steadily declined, with only 833 births recorded in 2023. Overall, Marco has been a name given to a total of 74849 babies over the years.