Meaning & History
Mario is the Italian and Spanish form of Marius, a Roman family name derived from Mars, the god of war. As such, the name carries an underlying meaning of martial or warlike. It is widely used in Croatia, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Etymology and History
The name Marius was borne by several figures from ancient Rome, including the general Gaius Marius (157–86 BC). The feminine form Maria and masculine form Mario have been common in Christian cultures, often given in honor of the Virgin Mary, though etymologically distinct. In Croatia, the related form Marijo also occurs.
Notable Bearers
Famous real-world bearers include American racecar driver Mario Andretti (born 1940) and Canadian hockey player Mario Lemieux (born 1965). In fiction, the name is most famously associated with the Nintendo video game character, a mustachioed Italian plumber who debuted in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. The character was named after Mario Segale (1934–2018), an American businessman who rented a warehouse to Nintendo. The Japanese spelling is マリオ (Mario) in Katakana.
Cultural Significance
The video game character Mario, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, became the mascot of Nintendo and one of the most recognized figures in pop culture. Originally called Jumpman, he was given the name Mario when Nintendo decided to name him after their landlord. Dressed in red overalls and a cap, Mario has starred in numerous games and always rescues Princess Peach from the villain Bowser.
Related Names
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Mario