The name Marquise is of French origin and it is a unisex name. It is derived from the French word "marquis," which means "margrave" or "marquess." A margrave was a title given to a governor of a border region in medieval France, while a marquess is a member of the nobility ranking above an earl and below a duke.
The name Marquise gained popularity during the 19th century, particularly among French aristocracy. It was often used as a given name for girls, but it could also be used as a boy's name in certain cases.
In terms of its meaning, Marquise does not have a direct translation into English. However, it can be interpreted as "noble" or "of noble rank," reflecting the historical usage of the name among French nobility.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Marquise. One example is Marquise de Sevigny, a French aristocrat and writer who lived in the 17th century. She was known for her wit and intelligence, and she corresponded extensively with many famous figures of her time.
Today, Marquise remains a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. Overall, Marquise is a name that carries a sense of elegance and nobility, reflecting its French aristocratic origins.
The name Marquise has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past five decades in the United States. The earliest record of its usage dates back to 1969, with only 11 babies being given this unique name that year.
In the following years, the number of births increased slightly, reaching a peak of 343 births in 1992. This trend continued until 1995, when there were 644 babies named Marquise, marking an all-time high for this particular name.
However, after 1995, the popularity of the name Marquise began to decline steadily. By 2000, there were only 336 births recorded with this name, and this downward trend persisted over the following years. In recent times, the number of newborns named Marquise has stabilized at around 100 births per year.
As of 2022, a total of 10,479 babies have been given the name Marquise in the United States since 1969. While its popularity has waned over time, it remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.