Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Marquis
BoyFrench· “nobleman of the border”
- Meaning
- nobleman of the border
- Origin
- French
- Pronunciation
- mahr-KEE
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,672
- US babies 2025
- 99
- Best rank
- #258 (1990)
- Peak year
- 1990
Meaning and origin of Marquis
Marquis is a French name that is usually said to mean “nobleman of the border”.
Marquis is the French title for a nobleman ranking above a count, equivalent to the English marquess. The word comes from the Old French marche, a border region, since a marquis originally governed frontier territory. As a given name, Marquis has been used in the United States since the mid-twentieth century, particularly in African American families, along with related names such as Marques and Markise. It carries a sense of distinction and style. Pronunciations include mahr-KEE and MAHR-kwihs, and Quis is a playful nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Marcie, Markie, Markee.
Popularity over time
Marquis has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 49 different years. Its best national rank was #258 in 1990, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,037 babies. In 2025, 99 babies were named Marquis, and it ranked #1,672 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,545 in 1920, #1,733 in 1950, #476 in 1980, #422 in 2000, #644 in 2010, and #1,672 in 2025. Of the 24,567 US boys named Marquis since records began, 36% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,924 babies. Since 2010, 3,459 more have been named Marquis.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Demetrius, Johnathon, Terrell, Ramon, and Lamar.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marquis ranked highest in South Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | #648 | 7 |
| Georgia | #962 | 9 |
| Michigan | #971 | 7 |
| Ohio | #1086 | 7 |
| Tennessee | #1136 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Marquis is usually pronounced mahr-KEE, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-is”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Marcie, Markie, and Markee.
Middle names for Marquis
A few middle names that flow with Marquis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marquis
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Lists that include Marquis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marquis mean?
Marquis is a French name that is usually said to mean “nobleman of the border”.
What is the origin of the name Marquis?
Marquis has French roots. Marquis is the French title for a nobleman ranking above a count, equivalent to the English marquess.
Is Marquis a popular name?
Not especially. Marquis ranked #1,672 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Marquis a boy or girl name?
Marquis is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Marquis?
Marquis is usually pronounced mahr-KEE. 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