The given name Marcell has its origins in the Roman era, deriving from the Latin name "Marcellus". This name is believed to be a diminutive or affectionate form of the name Marcus, which itself comes from the Roman god of war, Mars.

In ancient Rome, the name Marcellus was borne by several notable figures, including Marcus Claudius Marcellus, a renowned Roman consul and military commander who lived from 268 BCE to 208 BCE. He played a significant role in the Second Punic War against Carthage and was celebrated for his military victories.

Another famous bearer of the name Marcellus was Marcus Claudius Marcellus Aeserninus, a Roman consul who lived in the 1st century BCE. He was known for his oratorical skills and was a supporter of the Roman Republic against the rise of Julius Caesar's power.

During the Middle Ages, the name Marcell continued to be used, albeit in various spellings such as Marcel, Marcelle, and Marcellus. One notable figure from this period was Marcellus of Ancyra, a 4th-century bishop and theologian who played a role in the Arian controversy and the Council of Nicaea.

In the Renaissance era, Marcello Malpighi, an Italian scientist born in 1628, made significant contributions to the fields of anatomy and physiology. He is considered the founder of modern histology and is credited with being one of the first individuals to observe and describe capillaries.

Other notable historical figures with the name Marcell include Marcell Jankovics, a Hungarian animator and film director born in 1941, and Marcell Ozuna, a Dominican professional baseball player born in 1991 who currently plays for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball.

While the name Marcell has its roots in ancient Rome and has been used throughout history, it has also gained popularity in various cultures and languages, often with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. However, its core meaning and connection to the Roman god of war, Mars, remains a consistent thread throughout its long and rich history.