Marc is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman gens Marcus, which was one of the most prominent patrician families in ancient Rome. The name itself means "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war.
The use of the name Marc can be traced back to the early years of the Roman Republic. One of the first notable figures with this name was Marcus Fabius Ambustus, a Roman consul and military leader who fought in the Second Samnite War during the 4th century BC. Throughout history, many other prominent individuals have borne the name Marc, including several popes, saints, and historical figures.
In medieval France, the name Marc became popular among the nobility and eventually spread throughout the country. Today, Marc is a common given name in many French-speaking regions, as well as in other parts of Europe, North America, and beyond.
Despite its ancient origins, the name Marc remains a popular choice for parents today. Its simple yet strong sound has made it appealing across different cultures and generations. Additionally, its association with notable historical figures may contribute to its enduring appeal.
In summary, Marc is a name of Latin origin that means "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars." With a rich history dating back to the early Roman Republic, this name has been borne by many prominent individuals throughout the centuries. Today, Marc remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet timeless name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Marc has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States.
The earliest data point we have is from 1901, with only 6 babies named Marc. The number of births stayed relatively low throughout the early 20th century, ranging from 5 to 38 births per year between 1905 and 1930.
However, starting in 1935, we begin to see a notable increase in the popularity of the name Marc. There were 63 babies named Marc that year, which was more than double the number from just two years prior. This trend continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with the highest point reached in 1954 when 2403 babies were named Marc.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a stabilization of the name's popularity, fluctuating between around 2000 to 5000 births per year. However, starting in the late 1970s, we begin to see a steady decline in the number of babies named Marc.
By the early 21st century, the popularity of the name Marc had fallen significantly. In 2000, there were 1485 births, but this number had decreased to just 195 by 2022. Despite this decline, it's worth noting that even in recent years, hundreds of babies are still being named Marc each year.
In total, over the period from 1901 to 2023, there have been 140,253 births of children named Marc in the United States. While the name's popularity has certainly ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a timeless choice for parents looking for a classic, strong-sounding name for their child.