Marcelino is a unique and distinctive male given name of Spanish origin. Its meaning can be interpreted in two ways depending on the source consulted.
According to some sources, Marcelino is derived from the Latin word "marcelinus," which means "little warrior." This interpretation suggests that the name was originally intended as an honorific for a brave and courageous individual.
However, other sources indicate that Marcelino may have been adapted from the Spanish name Marcelo, which itself is believed to come from the Latin word "marcellus," meaning "dedicated to Mars" or "warlike." In this sense, Marcelino could be seen as a diminutive form of Marcelo, with the "-lin-" suffix indicating smallness or endearment.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Marcelino. One of the most famous is Saint Marcelino of Anagni, an Italian bishop who was martyred in the 3rd century during the Christian persecutions under Roman Emperor Diocletian. He is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on October 17th.
Another notable figure named Marcelino was Spanish painter Mariano Fortuny y Marsal, better known simply as Marcelino. Born in 1838, he became famous for his innovative approach to art and his influence on the modernist movement in Spain during the late 19th century.
In literature, Marcelino is also the name of the protagonist in "Marcelino Pan y Vino," a popular Spanish fairy tale written by José María Sánchez Silva. The story tells the tale of a young boy who befriends a donkey and performs several miracles with its help.
Despite its origins and historical significance, Marcelino remains relatively uncommon as a given name today. It is most frequently encountered in Spain and other Hispanic countries, but can be found occasionally elsewhere around the world. Its unique sound and distinct meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something different and special for their child's name.
The name Marcelino has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1888 and 1954, the number of births with this name fluctuated between 5 and 75 each year.
During the early 20th century, there were peaks in popularity, notably in 1912 with 17 births and again in 1930 with 62 births. However, after 1954, the popularity of Marcelino began to decline significantly. Between 1955 and 1984, the number of births with this name dropped below 50 annually.
Interestingly, since 1985, there has been a resurgence in the use of Marcelino as a baby's name. Although it never regained its early 20th-century popularity, the name consistently had more than 60 births each year between 1985 and 2023.
Overall, Marcelino has seen a total of 7269 births in the United States since 1888. This demonstrates that while this name may not have always been extremely popular, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout American history.