Marsalis is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created by the jazz musician Wynton Marsalis' grandfather, who named his son in honor of Mars, the Roman god of war.
The name Marsalis is derived from the Latin word "Mars," which refers to the planet Mars, the fourth planet from the sun and known for its reddish appearance due to iron oxide on its surface. In Roman mythology, Mars was the god of war, regarded as a courageous and powerful figure. As such, the name Marsalis is often associated with strength, bravery, and warrior-like qualities.
The name Marsalis has gained significant popularity in recent years, largely thanks to Wynton Marsalis, the renowned American jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and teacher. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Wynton Marsalis has had an immensely successful career, winning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming the first jazz musician to perform on a concert stage at the White House under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Prior to Wynton's success, the name Marsalis was relatively uncommon, but its usage has since increased significantly. It is now often chosen by parents who admire Wynton Marsalis' musical talent or wish to give their child a unique and meaningful name with strong associations.
In summary, Marsalis is an African American given name derived from the Latin word for the planet Mars and the Roman god of war. Its popularity has been boosted by jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their child.
The name Marsalis has seen varied popularity over the past three decades in the United States. The highest number of births was recorded in 1989 and again in 1992 with 20 births each year. The lowest point occurred in 2005, with only 5 babies named Marsalis that year.
Between 1986 and 2015, there were a total of 262 births registered for the name Marsalis in the United States. This demonstrates that while it has not been one of the most common names, it has still been given to a significant number of children over this period.
The statistics also show some trends over time. The years with the highest numbers of Marsalis births (1989 and 1992) occurred early in the period, with a decline in popularity since then. However, there was a slight increase again in recent years, with 7 births each recorded in 2007 and 2015.
Overall, while not extremely popular, the name Marsalis has maintained a steady presence among newborns in the United States over these three decades.