Marcus

Marcus is a Latin given name of uncertain but ancient origin, most likely derived from the name of Mars, the Roman god of war, though some scholars connect it to a root meaning male or virile. It was one of the most common praenomina in ancient Rome, borne by figures such as the orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius. The name appears in the New Testament as the Latin form of Mark, the evangelist, which helped sustain its use through the Christian era. Related forms include Mark, Marc, Marco, and Markus.