Marcellus
How to say it: mar-SEL-us · /mɑrˈsɛləs/
Latin diminutive of Marcus, from the god Mars. Meaning 'little warrior' or 'of Mars'. A classic Roman patrician name.
Marcellus was the 953rd most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 208 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up about 40% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #977 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #953 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 208 |
| Share of births | 1 in 15,939 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | +40% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #977 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
This decade marks the best showing yet for Marcellus. At its peak, a slight slip is expected.
What goes with it
Strong and rolling with soft breathy sounds, it is spoken mar SEL us. Augustus shares its grand style.
Nicknames
- Marc
- Marcel
- Marcy
- Cello
Honouring a Marcellus in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Marcellus is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
Famous people named Marcellus
- Marcellus II (1501–1555)Pope of the Catholic Church and bishop of Rome from 9 April to 1 May 1555
- Marcellus I (255–309)Pope
- Marcellus Emants (1848–1923)Novelist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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