Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Markus
BoyGerman, Scandinavian· “from Marcus, perhaps linked to Mars”
- Meaning
- from Marcus, perhaps linked to Mars
- Origin
- German, Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- MAHR-kuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,336
- US babies 2025
- 144
- Best rank
- #495 (1990)
- Peak year
- 1994
Meaning and origin of Markus
Markus is a German and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “from Marcus, perhaps linked to Mars”.
Markus is the German, Scandinavian and Finnish form of Marcus, a Latin name that is usually connected with Mars, the Roman god of war, though this is not certain. Mark the Evangelist, author of the second Gospel, spread the name across Christian Europe. In the Roman world Marcus was one of the most common first names, borne by figures such as Marcus Aurelius. Markus has a crisp, modern look while still carrying an ancient history. It is easy to pronounce in many languages.
Other spellings with the same sound: Marcus.
Popularity over time
Markus first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 57 different years, starting in 1961. Its best national rank was #495 in 1990, and the most babies received it in 1994, when 396 were named Markus. In 2025, 144 babies were named Markus, and it ranked #1,336 nationally. That is 45% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,890 in 1920, #2,166 in 1950, #750 in 1980, #625 in 2000, #682 in 2010, and #1,336 in 2025. Of the 14,947 US boys named Markus since records began, 23% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 3,251 babies. Since 2010, 3,644 more have been named Markus.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Efrain, Mitchel, Dequan, Dashawn, and Darion.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Markus ranked highest in Washington, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #777 | 8 |
| Michigan | #881 | 8 |
| Pennsylvania | #1190 | 6 |
| Ohio | #1203 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #1229 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Markus is usually pronounced MAHR-kuhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-us”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Marcus.
Middle names for Markus
A few middle names that flow with Markus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Markus
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Lists that include Markus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Markus mean?
Markus is a German and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “from Marcus, perhaps linked to Mars”.
What is the origin of the name Markus?
Markus has German, Scandinavian, and Latin roots. Markus is the German, Scandinavian and Finnish form of Marcus, a Latin name that is usually connected with Mars, the Roman god of war, though this is not certain.
Is Markus a popular name?
Not especially. Markus ranked #1,336 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Markus a boy or girl name?
Markus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Markus?
Markus is usually pronounced MAHR-kuhs. 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