Find out how popular the first name Marcal has been for the last 22 years (from 1985 to 2006) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Marcal by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Marcal is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2006, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Marcal.

The history of the first name Marcal

The given name Marcal has its origins in medieval France, with roots tracing back to the Latin name Marcus. It emerged as a popular name during the Middle Ages, particularly in the regions of Provence and Languedoc.

Marcal is believed to be derived from the Old Occitan word "marcal," which translates to "a small hammer." This association likely stems from the occupation of a blacksmith or metalworker, suggesting that the name may have been initially bestowed upon individuals involved in such trades.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Marcal can be found in the 13th-century literary work "Chanson de la Croisade Albigeoise," which chronicles the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heretics in southern France. The text mentions a character named Marcal de Mirabeau, a nobleman from the region.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Marcal. One of the most prominent was Marcal de Vinolh (c. 1250-1320), a renowned Occitan troubadour and poet from the late 13th century, renowned for his love songs and lyrical compositions.

Another individual of historical significance was Marcal de Béziers (c. 1340-1410), a French theologian and philosopher who played a crucial role in the intellectual debates of his time, particularly regarding the reconciliation of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian teachings.

In the realm of religious figures, Marcal de Montpellier (c. 1280-1355) was a Franciscan friar and preacher who gained recognition for his fiery sermons and efforts to combat heretical movements in southern France during the 14th century.

The name Marcal also made an appearance in the world of exploration and discovery. Marcal de Compostela (c. 1410-1480) was a Spanish navigator and cartographer who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493.

Lastly, Marcal de Narbonne (c. 1520-1585) was a French military commander who distinguished himself during the French Wars of Religion, serving as a loyal officer under King Henry III and playing a pivotal role in several battles against the Huguenots.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Marcal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Marcal, please contact us.

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