Marc is the French, Catalan, and Welsh form of the Latin name Marcus. It is ultimately derived from the Roman name Marcus, which is thought to be related to the Roman god of war, Mars, giving it connotations of martial strength or belonging to Mars. In French and Catalan, Marc has been in use since the Middle Ages, while in Welsh it represents a later adoption. The name appears in the Christian tradition through Saint Mark (often rendered as Marc in these languages), the evangelist traditionally believed to have written the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament. Notable Bearers Several prominent figures bear the name Marc, spanning diverse fields. The Russian-French artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985) is perhaps the most famous bearer, known for his dreamlike, colorful works blending modernist and folkloric elements. In music, Marc Anthony (né Marco Antonio Muñiz) is a renowned Puerto Rican-American singer and actor, celebrated for his salsa and Latin pop hits. The name is also shared by Marc Almond, English vocalist of the synth-pop duo Soft Cell, and by Catalan tenor Marc Grau (stage name Nacho Novo). Notable sports figures include English footballer Marc Albrighton and judoka Marc Alexandre. In American politics, Marc D. Angel served as a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly. Cultural Significance In Pyrenean and Occitan traditions, the name appears in local variations and composes elements of folk tales, but lacking specific mythical attestation beyond its classical and biblical heritage. The uniform usage of Marc across Catalan, French, and Welsh points up its function as a direct equivalent to English Mark in each of these linguistic zones. Meaning: Variant of Marcus, possibly meaning 'dedicated to Mars' or 'warlike' Origin: Latin Type: First name Usage regions: France, Catalonia (Spain/Andorra), Wales (United Kingdom), also Romania and other Francophone/Catalan areas