The name Mario is a masculine given name of Italian origin, derived from the Roman name Marius. It has its roots in the Latin word "mas," meaning "male" or "masculine." The name became popular during the Roman Empire, particularly in the late Republic and early Imperial periods.

Marius was a prominent Roman family name, with several notable historical figures bearing it. One of the most famous was Gaius Marius, a Roman general and statesman who lived from 157 BC to 86 BC. He was a key figure in the Roman Republic's transition from a traditional oligarchy to a more autocratic system.

The name Mario can be traced back to ancient Roman texts and inscriptions, where it was often written as "Marius" or "Marius." It was a common name among the Roman nobility and patrician class, as well as among soldiers and commoners.

During the Middle Ages, the name Mario continued to be used in Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Lazio. It gained popularity among the Italian nobility and ruling classes, with several notable figures bearing the name.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Mario dates back to the 12th century. Mario Salomone, an Italian jurist and scholar, lived from around 1150 to 1230. He was a prominent figure in the legal and academic circles of his time.

Another notable Mario from history was Mario Sforza (1455-1479), a member of the powerful Sforza family that ruled Milan during the Renaissance. He was a noted military leader and played a significant role in the Italian Wars.

In the 16th century, Mario Nuzzi (1603-1673) was an Italian painter and architect from Rome. He is known for his contributions to the Baroque style and his work on several churches and palaces in Rome.

During the 19th century, Mario Rapisardi (1844-1912) was an Italian poet and literary critic. He is considered one of the leading figures of the Verismo literary movement in Italy.

One of the most famous individuals named Mario in more recent history was Mario Lanza (1921-1959), an American tenor and Hollywood actor of Italian descent. He was renowned for his powerful voice and successful operatic and film career.