Mars

MAHRZ
Roman mythology
"god of war; male; red planet"

Mars Origin and Meaning

The name Mars is a boy's name of French origin meaning "god of war; male; red planet".

Mars is a name with interesting potential, ticking the boxes as a mythological name, a space name, and a single syllable choice ending in -s. For parents wanting something unexpected, Mars could work as an alternative to popular Brooks, Max, Atlas, or Miles - and given to around 150 boys - and 35 girls - in a recent year, it is unusual but recognisable.

In Roman mythology, Mars was the god of war, whose name likely relates to the Latin maris meaning "male". He is often seen as the less cold and less ruthless counterpart of the Greek god Ares (Ares being a fast rising Top 500 choice). While the war aspect might put people off, Mars was also the god of agriculture, giving it a more down to earth meaning, and was considered the father of Rome.

Used as the name of "The Red Planet", one of the brightest objects in the sky, and for the month of March, Mars could work for anyone looking for something space-related, or for anyone hoping to honor the month in some way.

Soul singer Erykah Badu helped to make this name feel more grounded when she gave it to her daughter, while musicians Thomas Mars and Bruno Mars have leant it a modern and stylish edge.

If you love Mars but find it a little too outer-space (or too associated with the chocolate bar), it would also make a cool middle option, or an unexpected nickname for Marcus or Marshall.

# 738 on Nameberry

Mars Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Mars Popularity

Famous People Named Mars

  • Bruno Mars
    American singer,songwriter
  • Thomas Mars
    frontman of French rock band Phoenix
  • Forrest Edward Mars
    American founder of Mars, Inc. candy company

Mars in Pop Culture

  • Mars
    Roman god of war
  • Mars
    red planet named for the god
  • "Veronica Mars
    " TV show and its main character
  • "Eyes of Laura Mars
    " 1978 film
  • 30 Seconds to Mars
    American rock band
  • The Mars Volta
    American rock band
  • "Life on Mars
    " TV show
  • Mars
    Inc., U.S. candy company