Marcelo
Marcelo is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning “Little warrior, dedicated to Mars”, pronounced mar-SEL-oh. It ranked #399 in the United States in 2025, given to 798 babies, and peaked at #399 in 2025. Common nicknames: Marc, Celo.
How popular is Marcelo in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Marcelo mean, and where does it come from?
Marcelo is the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian form of Marcellus, a diminutive of the Roman name Marcus, derived from Mars, the god of war. The name has a long history in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, borne by numerous saints, politicians, and athletes across the Portuguese and Spanish-speaking world, including Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal. In football, the name is closely associated with the Brazilian left-back Marcelo, a longtime Real Madrid star. Marcelo offers a warm, rhythmic alternative to Marcus with deep Romance-language roots.
How is Marcelo used around the world?
Marcelo is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Marcelo?
Famous People Named Marcelo
- Marcelo Vieira — Brazilian professional footballer
- Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa — President of Portugal
- Marcelo Gomes — Brazilian ballet dancer
Similar Names to Marcelo
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Sibling Name Ideas for Marcelo
Looking for names that pair well with Marcelo? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Marcelo mean?
Marcelo is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning "Little warrior, dedicated to Mars." Marcelo is the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian form of Marcellus, a diminutive of the Roman name Marcus, derived from Mars, the god of war. The name has a long history in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, borne by numerous saints, politicians, and athletes across the Portuguese and Spanish-speaking world, including Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal.
How do you pronounce Marcelo?
Marcelo is pronounced mar-SEL-oh. Common variations include Marcello, Marcelino, Marcellus.
Is Marcelo a boy name?
Yes, Marcelo is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Marc, Celo.