Find out how popular the first name Mars has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mars by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Mars is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 88% of people named Mars being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 154 male babies and 36 female babies born with the name Mars.

The history of the first name Mars

The given name Mars originated from the ancient Roman culture, deriving its roots from the name of the Roman god of war, Mars. This deity was one of the most prominent figures in Roman mythology, revered for his role in protecting the Roman state and military.

The name Mars can be traced back to the early days of the Roman Republic, around the 6th century BCE. It is believed to have stemmed from the Latin word "mas," meaning male or masculine, reflecting the god's association with masculinity, strength, and martial prowess.

In ancient Roman literature, Mars is extensively mentioned in epic poems, such as Virgil's Aeneid, and historical works by writers like Livy and Ovid. These texts depict Mars as a powerful deity, often depicted with a helmet, spear, and shield, symbolizing his warrior nature.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Mars was Marcus Valerius Martialis, a renowned Roman poet and satirist who lived from around 40 to 104 CE. Known for his witty and often irreverent epigrams, Martialis was a prominent figure in the literary circles of ancient Rome.

Another notable figure was Mars the Grammarian, a Latin grammarian and teacher who lived in the 4th century CE. He was known for his work on Latin grammar and his teachings, which influenced generations of scholars.

During the Middle Ages, the name Mars found its way into various European cultures, often associated with warriors and military leaders. One such individual was Mars di Giorgi, an Italian nobleman and military commander who lived in the 14th century and played a significant role in the conflicts between Genoa and Venice.

In more recent history, Mars Buckingham (1923-2005) was an American actor and stuntman, known for his work in numerous Western films and television shows. His daring performances and expertise in horseback riding made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Another notable bearer of the name was Mars Aremovic Naghdalyan (1925-2007), an Armenian artist and sculptor renowned for his monumental works and contributions to the artistic landscape of the Soviet Union.

While the name Mars has its roots in ancient Roman mythology and culture, it has transcended its original context and found recognition across various eras and societies, often associated with strength, valor, and martial qualities.

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

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

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