Marko is a name of Slavic origin, specifically from Croatia and other former Yugoslavian countries. It is derived from the given name Mark, which has Latin roots and means "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war.
The name Marko is associated with several historical figures. One notable example is Marko Polo, a Venetian merchant who traveled through Asia in the 13th century. His travels are chronicled in the book "The Travels of Marco Polo." Another famous figure named Marko is the 14th-century Serbian prince Marko Mrnjavčević, known for his heroic deeds and epic poetry.
In Croatia, Marko is one of the most popular male names. It has been used consistently throughout history and has gained international recognition due to its association with notable figures like Marco Polo. While it may not have the same level of popularity in English-speaking countries, it remains a beloved name in Slavic cultures.
The name Marko has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States, as shown by the birth statistics from 1892 to 2023. Throughout this period, the number of babies named Marko has fluctuated significantly.
In the early years, between 1892 and 1949, the name Marko was not particularly common. The highest number of births in any given year during this time was only 15, which occurred in 1952. However, starting from 1953, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name. In 1954, there were 14 births, followed by 17 in 1955. This upward trend continued until it peaked in 2006 with an impressive total of 138 births.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Marko began to decrease gradually but consistently. In 2022, there were only 62 births, and in 2023, that number rose slightly to 67. This steady decline suggests that while the name still has some popularity, it is no longer as commonly used as it once was.
Overall, from 1892 to 2023, there were a total of 4279 births for the name Marko in the United States. This data provides valuable insights into the changing trends in baby naming over more than a century.