Marsalis is of African origin, derived from the Mandinka people's name for the metalworkers' caste, 'Marsa'. It entered popular culture through jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, who was named after his father, Delfayo Marsalis.
The name Marsalis experienced popularity from the mid-80s to the early 90s, with a peak of 20 births each year in 1989 and 1992. However, its usage declined sharply thereafter, reaching as low as 5 births in recent years (2005, 2007).