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Marcelo Boy

Popularity: #403 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmar-SEL-oh / mɑːrˈsɛloʊ

Spanish; Portuguese; Latin

Meaning

Latin: young warrior; Spanish: little warrior

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Marcelo has its roots in the Latin name "Marcellus," which is a diminutive form of "Marcus," meaning "warlike" or "of Mars," the Roman god of war. The transition from Latin to other languages occurred as the Roman Empire expanded, with "Marcellus" being adopted into various cultures. In the early Christian era, the name became associated with several saints, including Saint Marcellus I, who served as pope in the 3rd century. This ecclesiastical connection helped the name gain prominence in Christian communities throughout Europe.

During the Middle Ages, the name Marcellus was further disseminated through the influence of the Catholic Church and the veneration of saints. The name appeared in various forms across different languages, including "Marcelo" in Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the linguistic evolution as Latin gave way to the Romance languages. The name was also featured in notable historical texts and works, such as the writings of early Christian theologians and the Latin Vulgate Bible, which contributed to its enduring presence in Christian contexts.

Culturally, Marcelo carries connotations of strength and valor, reflective of its martial origins. It has been embraced in various artistic and literary works, often symbolizing nobility and leadership. The name's association with saints and its historical significance in religious contexts have further solidified its place in cultural traditions. In addition to its primary form, diminutive variations such as "Marce" have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability across different cultures and languages. Overall, Marcelo embodies a rich tapestry of historical, linguistic, and cultural significance, tracing its lineage from ancient Rome to contemporary usage.

Trend Summary

Marcelo has seen a steady presence in the U.S. baby name rankings, particularly among Hispanic families.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Marcel
  • Marcellus

International Variants

  • Marcelo (Spanish)
  • Marcelo (Portuguese)
  • Marcello (Italian)

Famous people named Marcelo

Marcelo Vieira is a professional footballer best known for playing with Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.

Marcelo Mastroianni is an actor best known for La Dolce Vita, 8½, and Divorce Italian Style.

Marcelo Bielsa is a football manager best known for his work with Leeds United and the Argentina national team.

Marcelo D2 is a Brazilian rapper best known for his albums Eu Tô Aqui and A Arte do Barulho.

Marcelo Gomes is a filmmaker best known for the films Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures and The Second Mother.

Fictional characters named Marcelo

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Marcelo was first seen in the United States in 1907. Marcelo has ranked as high as #725 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Marcelo has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Marcelo (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 188
30%
CA 112
18%
FL 78
12%
IL 29
5%
AZ 29
5%
WA 23
4%
GA 21
3%
NY 17
3%
NV 16
3%
OR 14
2%
VA 12
2%
IN 11
2%
PA 11
2%
OK 9
1%
MA 8
1%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19076
19135
19145
191510
191614
19177
19189
191918
192022
19219
192226
192313
192418
192521
192616
192720
192818
192924
193024
193126
193228
193334
193417
193517
193616
193718
193816
193913
194012
194117
194213
194316
194419
194520
194620
194719
194833
194926
195031
195122
195232
195334
195424
195518
195619
195726
195820
195929
196035
196124
196244
196330
196438
196549
196648
196733
196841
196955
197057
197178
197272
197355
197476
197561
197666
197768
197889
197956
198071
198187
198275
198356
198473
198562
198683
1987101
198892
198996
1990116
1991106
1992121
199399
1994107
1995138
1996157
1997135
1998173
1999186
2000190
2001198
2002188
2003185
2004183
2005215
2006217
2007273
2008284
2009254
2010248
2011263
2012284
2013270
2014319
2015313
2016317
2017463
2018440
2019483
2020418
2021478
2022545
2023566
2024709