Marquez is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the surname Márquez, which is an occupational name for a maker or seller of markes (markets). The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and was originally used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name.
The meaning of Marquez is not explicitly defined by any specific word or concept. However, like many surnames that have become given names, it carries with it a sense of history and tradition. It is often associated with Spain and Spanish culture, and may evoke images of vibrant markets and rich culinary traditions.
The name Marquez has been used throughout Spanish-speaking countries for centuries, but it gained popularity outside of Spain in the 20th century. Today, it is recognized as a unisex given name, though it is more commonly used for boys than girls.
Notable individuals with the name Marquez include the American poet and civil rights activist Langston Hughes (born James Mercer Langston Hughes), who went by his middle name Marquez in some circles, and the Mexican-American author Carlos Marquez, whose work explores themes of identity, immigration, and cultural heritage.
The name Marquez has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States over the past five decades. According to the statistics provided, it appears that the name started gaining traction in the late 1970s and peaked in the mid-1990s.
From 1969 to 1975, there were fewer than 20 births each year with the name Marquez. However, starting from 1977, we see a significant increase, with 21 births that year. This trend continued through the early 1980s, reaching a peak of 32 births in 1982.
The name's popularity soared in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with over 100 births each year from 1988 onwards. The highest number of births recorded was in 1995, with an impressive total of 204 newborn girls named Marquez.
Interestingly, the popularity of the name Marquez began to decline after reaching its peak in the mid-1990s. From 1996 onwards, the number of annual births with this name steadily decreased, reaching a low of 45 births in both 2022 and 2023.
In total, over the past five decades, there have been 5,558 newborn girls named Marquez in the United States. This statistic underscores the enduring popularity of this name throughout generations. Despite fluctuations in its popularity, Marquez continues to be a recognizable and beloved choice among parents in the United States.