Marco
BoyItalian, Latin· “warlike, from Mars”
- Meaning
- warlike, from Mars
- Origin
- Italian, Latin
- Pronunciation
- MAR-koh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #370
- US babies 2025
- 862
- Best rank
- #174 (1996)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Marco
Marco is an Italian and Latin name that is usually said to mean “warlike, from Mars”.
Marco is the Italian form of Mark, from the Latin Marcus. Marcus is traditionally linked to Mars, the Roman god of war, though the connection is not certain. Saint Mark the Evangelist is the patron saint of Venice, and the city's great basilica and square bear his name, which helps explain Marco's long popularity in Italy. The Venetian traveler Marco Polo made the name famous across the world through his account of journeys to Asia. Marco is common in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, and in English-speaking countries it has a warm, adventurous feel.
Other spellings with the same sound: Marko.
Popularity over time
Marco first appears in US Social Security records in 1910. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 91 different years, starting in 1918. Its best national rank was #174 in 1996, and the most babies received it in 2005, when 2,117 were named Marco. In 2025, 862 babies were named Marco, and it ranked #370 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #999 in 1920, #770 in 1950, #233 in 1980, #181 in 2000, #264 in 2010, and #370 in 2025. Of the 76,578 US boys named Marco since records began, 25% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 17,004 babies. Since 2010, 16,117 more have been named Marco.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Andy, Ty, Edgar, Hector, and Rafael.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marco ranked highest in Texas, Florida, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #249 | 158 |
| Florida | #257 | 81 |
| California | #261 | 143 |
| New Jersey | #266 | 35 |
| Arizona | #279 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Marco is usually pronounced MAR-koh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-co”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Marko.
Middle names for Marco
A few middle names that flow with Marco: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marco
Similar names
Lists that include Marco
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marco mean?
Marco is an Italian and Latin name that is usually said to mean “warlike, from Mars”.
What is the origin of the name Marco?
Marco has Italian and Latin roots. Marco is the Italian form of Mark, from the Latin Marcus.
Is Marco a popular name?
Yes. Marco ranked #370 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Marco a boy or girl name?
Marco is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Marco?
Marco is usually pronounced MAR-koh. 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