Marc
BoyFrench, Latin· “possibly from Mars (form of Mark)”
- Meaning
- possibly from Mars (form of Mark)
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- MAHRK
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,237
- US babies 2025
- 162
- Best rank
- #60 (1970)
- Peak year
- 1970
Meaning and origin of Marc
Marc is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “possibly from Mars (form of Mark)”.
Marc is the French and Catalan form of Mark, from the Latin Marcus. Marcus was a common Roman first name, probably linked to Mars, the Roman god of war, though the connection is not certain. Saint Mark, traditionally the author of the second Gospel, made the name widespread across Christian Europe. The painter Marc Chagall is a famous bearer. Marc is short, sharp and classic, with an international feel. It pairs well with longer middle names and is easy to spell in many languages.
Other spellings with the same sound: Mark, Marque.
Popularity over time
Marc first appears in US Social Security records in 1901. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 86 different years, starting in 1932. Its best national rank was #60 in 1970, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,009 babies. In 2025, 162 babies were named Marc, and it ranked #1,237 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,671 in 1920, #167 in 1950, #119 in 1980, #229 in 2000, #579 in 2010, and #1,237 in 2025. Of the 140,604 US boys named Marc since records began, 23% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 31,375 babies. Since 2010, 4,725 more have been named Marc.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Brent, Lance, Tyrone, Andre, and Troy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marc ranked highest in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #776 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #806 | 8 |
| New York | #827 | 17 |
| California | #876 | 27 |
| Florida | #904 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Marc is usually pronounced MAHRK, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-rc”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Mark and Marque.
Middle names for Marc
A few middle names that flow with Marc: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marc
Similar names
Lists that include Marc
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marc mean?
Marc is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “possibly from Mars (form of Mark)”.
What is the origin of the name Marc?
Marc has French and Latin roots. Marc is the French and Catalan form of Mark, from the Latin Marcus.
Is Marc a popular name?
Not especially. Marc ranked #1,237 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Marc a boy or girl name?
Marc is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Marc?
Marc is usually pronounced MAHRK. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings