The given name Marcelle has its origins in the Late Latin name Marcellus, which was derived from the Roman family name Marcellus. The name Marcellus is thought to have been a diminutive form of the name Marcus, meaning "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war.

Marcelle was initially more commonly used as a masculine name in its earlier forms, such as Marcellus and Marcel. The feminine form, Marcelle, gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages and was later adopted in other European countries.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Marcelle can be found in the medieval French epic poem "La Chanson de Roland" (The Song of Roland), which dates back to the 11th century. In the poem, a character named Marcelle is mentioned as a companion of the legendary knight Roland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Marcelle. One of the most famous was Marcelle Nadia Ferrier (1909-1932), a French aviator who set several aviation records in the 1920s and 1930s. Another notable Marcelle was Marcelle Auclair (1899-1983), a French writer and feminist who wrote extensively on women's rights and social issues.

In the world of art, Marcelle Geber (1905-1985) was a French painter and sculptor known for her abstract expressionist works. Marcelle Crudère (1914-2004) was a French actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career.

The name Marcelle has also been associated with religious figures, such as Marcelle Mallet (1805-1871), a French nun and founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Propagation of the Faith.

While the name Marcelle has its roots in French and Roman cultures, it has been adopted and used in various parts of the world, including other European countries, as well as in North and South America.