Meaning: Its source is a Latin expression meaning "Manly."

Languages: This boy's name is used in German, English and French.

Narrative: Like Marcus, this name may have derived from that of Mars, the Roman god of war. However some authorities suggest the Latin word mare (meaning ''the sea'') could be the source.

Compare this with the suggested derivation of Mary from the same Latin term, and it is easy to see why this name is sometimes used in Christian countries as the male equivalent of the name of Jesus' mother.