boys' name · peaked 2021

Marcellus

Borrowed from Latin Marcellus.

Every Marcellus since 1880 — 9,608 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.

Measure
Births per 1,000 babies of that sex — comparable across eras
0.060.130.190.2518801900192019401960198020002020BoysGirls
BoysGirls
Rank 2025
#1,054
among boys
Babies in 2025
208
named Marcellus
Peak year
2021
351 babies
All-time total
9,608
since 1880

The story of Marcellus

Marcellus is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #1,054 in 2025 with 208 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.

Since 1880, 9,608 American babies have been named Marcellus. Its peak came in 2021, when 351 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.

The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Marcellus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.

Marcellus year by year

Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.

Year Girls Girls rank Boys Boys rank
2025 208 #1,054
2024 241 #951
2023 271 #870
2022 332 #763
2021 351 #732
2020 329 #741
2019 234 #934
2018 218 #953
2017 181 #1,084
2016 154 #1,220
2015 147 #1,243
2014 126 #1,358
2013 80 #1,805
2012 85 #1,768
2011 87 #1,713
2010 91 #1,695
2009 99 #1,613
2008 106 #1,529
2007 92 #1,664
2006 96 #1,547
2005 106 #1,407
2004 93 #1,473
2003 114 #1,265
2002 98 #1,352
2001 117 #1,177
2000 114 #1,193
1995 97 #1,178
1990 107 #1,024
1985 65 #1,164
1980 47 #1,386
1975 93 #865
1970 5 #8,787 98 #821
1965 60 #952
1960 50 #1,109
1955 52 #1,052
1950 21 #1,641
1945 26 #1,317
1940 25 #1,354
1935 32 #1,181
1930 49 #971
1925 45 #1,035
1920 66 #831
1915 55 #830
1910 17 #746
1905
1900 11 #825
1895
1890 7 #852
1885 11 #592
1880 11 #591

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Marcellus mean?

Borrowed from Latin Marcellus.

How popular is the name Marcellus in 2025?

Marcellus ranked #1,054 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 208 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.

How many people are named Marcellus?

9,608 babies have been named Marcellus in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.

When was the name Marcellus most popular?

Marcellus peaked in 2021, when 351 newborns received the name.

Is Marcellus a boy or girl name?

Marcellus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.

Is the name Marcellus rising or falling?

Marcellus is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.

Names like Marcellus

Compare Marcellus with similar names →