Find out how popular the first name Marquan has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Marquan by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Marquan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Marquan.

The history of the first name Marquan

The given name Marquan originates from the West African Akan language, spoken primarily in Ghana and parts of Ivory Coast. It dates back to the late 15th century, during the height of the Ashanti Empire. The name is derived from the Akan words "ma" meaning "to give" and "kwan" meaning "soul or spirit." Thus, Marquan loosely translates to "giver of spirit" or "one who bestows life."

In the Akan culture, names held significant meaning and were often chosen to reflect the circumstances surrounding a child's birth or the hopes and aspirations of the parents. Marquan was a name commonly bestowed upon boys born during times of great spiritual or cultural significance, or as a way to honor ancestors or deities associated with life and vitality.

Early written records of the name Marquan can be found in traditional Akan folktales and oral histories, which were passed down through generations. It is believed to have been the name of a revered Akan spiritual leader and healer who lived in the late 16th century, though specific historical details are scarce.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Marquan. One of the earliest recorded was Marquan Agyeman (c. 1650-1725), a renowned Akan warrior and military strategist who played a pivotal role in defending the Ashanti Kingdom against invading forces.

Another significant figure was Marquan Addo (1785-1862), a skilled Akan diplomat and negotiator who facilitated important trade agreements between the Ashanti and European powers during the colonial era.

In more recent times, Marquan Kabasele (1938-1983) was a celebrated Congolese musician and composer, known for his contributions to the development of Soukous music.

Marquan Judkins (1921-2005), an American artist and sculptor, gained recognition for his powerful works exploring themes of identity, oppression, and the African American experience.

Marquan Satterfield (born 1985) is a contemporary American actor and filmmaker, best known for his roles in independent films and television series exploring diverse cultural narratives.

While the name Marquan has its roots in the Akan culture of West Africa, it has since gained popularity and recognition across various communities and regions, transcending its historical and cultural origins.

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 Marquan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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