Marshall is a name of English origin that has been used throughout history. The name comes from the Middle English word "marshal," which means "horse servant" or "stable keeper." This term was applied to those who looked after horses in the stables and helped with their care.
The use of the name Marshall can be traced back to medieval times, where it was often given as a occupational surname to individuals who worked with horses. Over time, however, the name began to be used as a given name as well.
One notable figure associated with the name Marshal is John Marshall (1755-1835), who served as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 until his death in 1835. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential justices in American history, and his legacy continues to shape the legal landscape of the country.
In literature, Marshall is also a popular name choice for characters. For example, it was used by Mark Twain in his novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" for the character Tom Sawyer's uncle.
Today, Marshall remains a popular given name and surname around the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the United States since the early 20th century.
The name Marshal appears to have had varying popularity over time with a significant increase in its usage starting around the early 20th century. The highest number of births recorded was 95 in 1999, and the lowest was 25 in 2019. However, there are several gaps in the data between 1883 and 1976, which might indicate a lack of available records during those years or a genuine decline in the name's popularity.