Mario

Mario is the Italian and Spanish form of Marius, an ancient Roman family name. The deeper origin of Marius is uncertain. Connections with Mars, the Roman god of war, and with a Latin word for “male” have been proposed, but “warlike” should not be presented as Mario’s settled translation.

For many families, Mario’s strongest association will be Nintendo’s mustached game character, though the name has a much longer life beyond the screen. Writer Mario Puzo and racing driver Mario Andretti offer other familiar namesakes. The open final vowel gives Mario a different rhythm from Marius, while keeping a clear connection to its Roman ancestor.