We did it! Humans have landed on the Red Planet to collect data and discover truths about our universe and existence never known before. To honor our species’ latest achievement, we decided to take a look at baby names inspired by Mars. These names originated from the ancient Roman god of war and guardian of agriculture. The Romans considered Mars a father (pater) of the Roman people, father to Romulus and Remus of the founding myth. There are many baby names for boys that mean “Mars” that you probably did not even know about.
If you’re expecting a baby in 2021, you could do no better than to celebrate the rovers collecting all the scientific gems it can get its robotic hands on. With 2020 being such a dark year, looking to fresh possibilities and new discoveries should be an attractive prospect for many parents. We think choosing baby names for boys that mean “Mars” should be high on the list for new parents who want a truly timely, and inspired baby name. Check out our findings!
25. Markos
Markos is the Greek form of Marcus, a name meaning “warlike.” This ancient Greek and Roman name is still beloved today especially in Europe. This name sounds distinguished yet approachable.
24. Marcello
Marcello is an Italian and Spanish name that means “little warrior.” It’s a diminutive form of Marcellus, a Roman name inspired by Mars. The name was popular in the seventies and eighties in the US but has since fallen from favor. Do not let this great name go to waste!
23. Ares
In Greek mythology, Ares was the blood-thirsty god of war and the son to Zeus and Hera. He was the Greek counterpart to the Roman Mars. Ares’ Greek roots mean “ruin.” The name entered the US top 1000 in 2013 and it has been chugging right along ever since.
22. Cariocecus
Cariocecus was the Iberian war god syncretized with Mars. We must admit this one is a quite the mouthful. Surprising no one, Cariocecus has never been a popular baby name in the US.
21. Nergal
While Nergal is not one of the baby names for boys that mean “Mars,” it does refer to a Babylonian god who was associated with the planet Mars in astral theology. Could this name be a possible alternative to Nigel? Perhaps…
20. Martin
Martin has historically been on of the US’s most beloved baby names, never falling out of the top 500. Martin has Latin origins and it is one of our favorite baby names for boys that means “Mars” or “warlike.” One notable namesake and probably the reason this name has remained so popular in the US is the heroic Martin Luther King Jr.
19. Týr
Ever ancient culture seems to have had a god of war resembling the Roman Mars. In Norse mythology, you find Týr, a baby name meaning “The God.” Týr likely gave us the Roman name Titus and the English day name Tuesday.
18. Marius
Marius was last popular in the US in 1881 which means it is time to dust this baby off and put it to good use. Marius comes from the Ancient family name honoring Mars. One of the most romantic baby names for boys that means “Mars,” Marius would be a gift to give your baby boy.
17. Mario
If you like Marius, you should also consider the Italian form of this name, Mario. Mario means “Mars” and is currently a top 500 name in the US, Italy, Germany, and England. Mario sounds much more casual and fun than Marius but you get decide which qualities you value more.
16. Marcel
Marcel is a French baby name that means “Mars” or “little warrior,” coming from the Roman name Marcellus. Proust and Duchamp are two distinguished namesakes. Marcel has historically been a mildly popular baby name choice in the US. It ranked as the 760th most popular name last year.
15. Maximus
One of the boldest baby names for boys that means “Mars” is Maximus. Maximus means “greatest” and it emerged as a Roman name for soldiers and it comes from the same Mars-root as most of the names on this list derive. Maximus has been hugely popular in the US since 2000.
14. Maximilian
Maximilian is a Latin name and alternative form of Maximus. This form has been more popular among American parents for a longer amount of time (since 1985), but Maximus is the more popular version today. Either way, both of these appellations bring you the pleasing nickname Max.
13. Mark
Mark has been a top 500 name in the US since records began in 1880. Mark can be spelled Marc and both look and sound great. Mark comes from the same root as Mars, meaning “warlike.” Many forms of this name are popular around the world and you might bump into another form before this list is over.
12. Martius
In Ancient Rome, Campus Martius meant the “field of Mars.” Martius was also the name of the month of March on the old Roman calendar. You sometimes encounter this name as a surname, but rarely as a given one. We think that should absolutely change!
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11. Marian
Marian was once a popular baby name for boys in the US. Unfortunately, the emergence of Mary Anne nearly wiped this name off the map. Marian or Marion are version of the same baby name that means “Mars.” Or “related to Mars.” We think Marian would sound very chic today.
10. Massimo
Massimo is another Italian form of Maximus, a name that means “greatest” and related to the Roman god Mars. Massimo has never been widespread in the US as it has been in Italy. We think it’s got plenty of energy and playfulness to serve your son well.
9. Mart
This name has suffered due to its contemporary association of with a Quickie Mart. Mart is simply another form of Martin, meaning “warlike” and derived from Mars. This name was last popular in the US in 1902, meaning it might hold vintage appeal for the right parents.
8. Lamarcus
Lamarcus is a charming baby name for boys which is simply Marcus with the La prefix. Thus, this name means “of Mars.” Lamarcus was popular for several years in the the 1980s, but has fallen from favor slightly in recent years.
7. Markel
Markel is a surname, and an alternative form of Mark or Marc. Thus, this name means “warlike” from the Mars root word. Markel has been a mildly popular baby name for boys in the US appearing on and off the top 1000 list for various years between 1990 and 2005.
6. Marky
Yet another alternative form of Mark, Marky is a spunky choice and one of the cutest baby names for boys that means “Mars.” Marky has long been considered only a nickname for Mark but with the love for Franky out there, why not Marky?
5. Martel
Martel comes from the same roots as Mark and Mart, and we rather like the “L” sound on the end. Martel seems more approachable and elegant than Mart. Martel is most encountered as a surname, but it certainly works well up front.
4. Tino
Tino is a beloved Spanish baby name that comes from Martino, a baby name with Latin origins that means “Mars” or “warlike.” Tino is perfectly cute and breezy. Curiously, Tino is a huge hit in Germany today, likely as an alternative to Martin.
3. Miles
Miles is the English form of Milo, a baby name that means “Mars” and also a term for a “soldier.” Miles is one of the US’s most popular baby names for boys, resting in the top 100 today. Most parents probably do not know the Mars connection to this name, but it’s a nice anecdote to consider.
2. Marceau
If Marcel was not French enough for you, consider this even Frenchier name, Marceau. Marceau sounds expensive which may or may not appeal to your sensibilities. This name, like Marcel, means “little soldier” or “warlike.”
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1. Mars
The name of the game, Mars, has inspired so many other names as you have seen. Mars as acts as a Roman name for the god of war, yes. But, it also celebrates that big, beautiful, red planet that we just put rovers on. We can think of no better way to say what you mean than choosing this straightforward winner. We also feel it works excellently as a middle name if you’d like it to somewhat hide.
There you go! We hope you enjoyed these 25 baby names for boys that mean “Mars.” From Mark to Marceau, we covered a lot of ground. Our achievements in space never cease to amaze and a name honoring what we’ve managed to do in 2021 might be the perfect option for your baby boy.