The name Marquise is of French origin and it is a unisex name. It is derived from the French word "marquis," which means "margrave" or "marquess." A margrave was a title given to a governor of a border region in medieval France, while a marquess is a member of the nobility ranking above an earl and below a duke.
The name Marquise gained popularity during the 19th century, particularly among French aristocracy. It was often used as a given name for girls, but it could also be used as a boy's name in certain cases.
In terms of its meaning, Marquise does not have a direct translation into English. However, it can be interpreted as "noble" or "of noble rank," reflecting the historical usage of the name among French nobility.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Marquise. One example is Marquise de Sevigny, a French aristocrat and writer who lived in the 17th century. She was known for her wit and intelligence, and she corresponded extensively with many famous figures of her time.
Today, Marquise remains a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. Overall, Marquise is a name that carries a sense of elegance and nobility, reflecting its French aristocratic origins.
The name Marquise experienced significant popularity throughout its history with over 10,000 recorded births since 1969. Initially, it saw a gradual increase from 11 births in 1969 to a peak of 644 births in 1995. However, starting from the late 1990s, there was a consistent decline, dropping from 574 births in 1997 to just 78 births in 2023. Despite this decrease, Marquise remains an enduring name with a total of 10,479 recorded births over the specified period.