Marco

Marco is a masculine given name of Italian origin, derived from Marcus, a Latin praenomen used in ancient Rome. The form Marco is common in Italy and in Romance-language countries, as well as in many other parts of the world where Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese influence is present. The name is typically associated with the Latin root Marcus, which is often linked to Mars, the god of war, though exact meaning has varied by era and language.

In contemporary use, Marco is widely used as a first name. Notable individuals named Marco include Marco Polo, the 13th‑century Venetian explorer; Marco Rubio, American politician; Marco Reus, German footballer; Marco van Basten, Dutch footballer; and Marco Asensio, Spanish footballer. The name also appears in fiction and media as a character name.

Variants and related names include Marc, Marcus, Marcelo, Marco, and Mark. The form is sometimes used as a surname in some cultures; when used as a surname it often indicates patronymic origin or familial lineage.