Marsalis

“of Mars, the Roman god of war”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1315US 2023

885Births / yr

→Stable

262All-time births

📅 Since 198600

How to pronounce Marsalis

mah·RSAH·lis

/mɑ.ˈrsɑ.ˌlɪs/ · stress on RSAH · 3 syllables

“of Mars, the Roman god of war”

American origin · Boy name

What does Marsalis mean and where does it come from?

Marsalis is an American name that has become prominent in recent decades, especially in the context of jazz music. The most notable bearer of this name is Wynton Marsalis, an acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator. The name carries connotations of creativity and artistic expression, partic

Cultural significance

Marsalis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of mars, the roman god of war.

Peak popularity

Reached #3093 in 1989 — currently #1315 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Marsalis?

Marsalis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Marsalis Grace

How popular is Marsalis right now?

Holding steady — currently #1315 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#1315 · Top 0.97%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1315	885	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1320	865	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1325	835	▲ up 8634 · +11829% births
2015	#9959	7	▲ up 2215 · +40% births
2005	#12174	5	▼ down 3507 · -29% births
2000	#8667	7	▼ down 4424 · -53% births
1995	#4243	15	▲ up 398 · +25% births
1990	#4641	12	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marsalis

Best Year2023Rank #1315

Peak Count885

Average Rank#5456

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20238 years

The story of Marsalis

Marsalis is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1986. With 262 total births recorded, Marsalis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4641 in 1990 to #1315 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Marsalis in 1989:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua David

Marsalis by decade

Marsalis peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	58
1990s ★	155
2000s	42
2010s	7

💎Marsalis has only 262 total recorded births since 1986 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Marsalis?

Common

MarMaAlis

What names sound and feel like Marsalis?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marsalis also consider these

Martavis

American · A variation of

Martellis

American · little martello

Marcelis

Netherlands · Little warrior.

Jarvaris

American · American

Jartavis

American · Possibly derived from

Manolis

Greece · a form of

Maverick

American · independent, nonconformist

Artavis

American · The name Artavis

Common questions about the name Marsalis

What does the name Marsalis mean?

Marsalis means "of Mars, the Roman god of war" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Marsalis?

Marsalis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Marsalis?

Marsalis originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Marsalis?

Marsalis is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA0 R S AA1 L IH2 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Marsalis?

Marsalis pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.