Is Marcel a boy's or girl's name?

Marcel is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 992 recorded births.

When was Marcel most popular?

Marcel reached its peak popularity in 2022 with 417 births that year. It is currently ranked #753 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Marcel?

Marcel is currently ranked #753 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 19,767 babies since 1881.

Marcel

A familiar French name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsFrenchDeclining Also a pet name

#753▲ 8in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A male given name from French.

Marcel is a boy's and girl's baby name of French origin, a French form of the Latin Marcellus — a diminutive of Marcus, linked to Mars, the Roman god of war — meaning 'little warrior' or 'young warrior.' Marcel Proust, the French novelist who wrote In Search of Lost Time, gave the name an association with supreme literary achievement.

Marcel has a warm French elegance that feels both distinguished and approachable. The mime artist Marcel Marceau and soccer star Marcel Desailly have given it an artistic and athletic range. Currently climbing as parents discover this classic name that somehow still feels fresh. The nickname Marc keeps it grounded.

Compare Marcel with another name

Popularity Over Time

Marcel has 129+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1881.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Marcel
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,857	#709	▼
2010s	2,864	#800	▲
2000s	2,253	#834	▼
1990s	2,793	#624	▲
1980s	2,139	#614	▲
1970s	1,718	#631	▲
1960s	1,451	#642	▲
1950s	1,035	#718	▲
1940s	757	#767	▼
1930s	877	#659	▼
1920s	1,281	#551	▲
1910s	646	#698	▲
1900s	62	#1024	▲
1890s	24	#1061	▲
1880s	10	#1018	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(129 years, 1881–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Marcel
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	339	#753	-2 (-0.6%)
2023	341	#761	-76 (-18.2%)
2022	417	#659	+30 (7.8%)
2021	387	#686	+14 (3.8%)
2020	373	#686	+63 (20.3%)
2019	310	#766	-16 (-4.9%)
2018	326	#732	+11 (3.5%)
2017	315	#749	-2 (-0.6%)
2016	317	#766	+9 (2.9%)
2015	308	#772	+44 (16.7%)
2014	264	#848	-11 (-4.0%)
2013	275	#801	+37 (15.5%)
2012	238	#882	-18 (-7.0%)
2011	256	#842	+1 (0.4%)
2010	255	#838	+21 (9.0%)
2009	234	#892	-26 (-10.0%)
2008	260	#839	+12 (4.8%)
2007	248	#852	+50 (25.3%)
2006	198	#946	-40 (-16.8%)
2005	238	#806	+26 (12.3%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Marcel as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Marcel has also been given to 992 girls in the U.S. since 1915.

Unranked

Current rank

992

Total births

1970

Peak year

Compare Marcel as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Marcel be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Marcel is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #753. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Marcel has two lives

Marcel, the baby name

#753boys

19,767 babies

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1881–2024) · Methodology