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

Marcellus is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 5 recorded births.

When was Marcellus most popular?

Marcellus reached its peak popularity in 2021 with 351 births that year. It is currently ranked #948 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Marcellus?

Marcellus is currently ranked #948 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 9,392 babies since 1880.

Marcellus

A familiar Latin name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsLatinDeclining Also a pet name

#948▼ 78in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A male given name from Latin.

Marcellus is a boy's and girl's baby name of Latin origin, a Roman family name derived from Marcus — related to Mars, the god of war — meaning "little Marcus" or "young warrior." Several Roman consuls, generals, and early Christian saints bore this name.

Marcellus has a grand, Roman imperial quality that has been growing as parents rediscover long, stately classical names. Its natural nickname Marcel gives it a French elegance, while the full form carries the confident weight of ancient Rome. With over 9,000 U.S. births, it has been gaining significant momentum.

Compare Marcellus with another name

Popularity Over Time

Marcellus climbed 525 spots in the last 20 years — from #1473 to #948.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Marcellus
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,522	#811	▲
2010s	1,402	#1378	▲
2000s	1,035	#1422	▲
1990s	1,032	#1138	▲
1980s	674	#1200	▼
1970s	818	#946	▲
1960s	612	#995	▲
1950s	414	#1218	▲
1940s	326	#1239	—
1930s	359	#1132	▼
1920s	523	#968	▲
1910s	410	#860	▲
1900s	108	#772	▲
1890s	66	#804	▼
1880s	91	#701	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(142 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Marcellus
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	240	#948	-31 (-11.4%)
2023	271	#870	-61 (-18.4%)
2022	332	#761	-19 (-5.4%)
2021	351	#732	+23 (7.0%)
2020	328	#742	+94 (40.2%)
2019	234	#934	+17 (7.8%)
2018	217	#956	+36 (19.9%)
2017	181	#1084	+27 (17.5%)
2016	154	#1220	+7 (4.8%)
2015	147	#1243	+21 (16.7%)
2014	126	#1358	+46 (57.5%)
2013	80	#1804	-5 (-5.9%)
2012	85	#1768	-2 (-2.3%)
2011	87	#1713	-4 (-4.4%)
2010	91	#1695	-8 (-8.1%)
2009	99	#1613	-7 (-6.6%)
2008	106	#1529	+14 (15.2%)
2007	92	#1664	-4 (-4.2%)
2006	96	#1547	-10 (-9.4%)
2005	106	#1407	+13 (14.0%)

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

Marcellus as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Marcellus has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 1970.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

1970

Peak year

Compare Marcellus as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Marcellus be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Marcellus is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #948. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Marcellus has two lives

Marcellus, the baby name

#948boys

9,392 babies

Currently viewing

Marcellus, the pet name

#16052pet name

3 pets

View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology