Surname Marselis - Meaning and Origin
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Marselis: What does the surname Marselis mean?
The last name Marselis is of Dutch origin and is derived from the given name Marcus. The name Marcus is of Latin origin and means “lord”, “dedicated to Mars” or “war-like.” Mars was the god of war in Roman mythology.
The surname Marselis was likely given to a person or family who possessed the traits associated with the name Marcus. It likely was used to indicate strength or valor, and could have referred to a person who either held the rank of a battlefield commander or a nobleman.
At some point in time, the name Marselis gave rise to multiple variants including Marsalis, Marcelis, Marcelin, Marceau, Martel, Martell and Marcello. These variants likely formed when immigrants from the Low Countries settled in other parts of the world, and adapted the spelling of the name in accordance with the local language and culture.
Although it is no longer associated directly with the god of war, the name Marselis still denotes a strong and honorable individual. Today, it is used as a symbol of endurance and a rich heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMarselis: Where does the name Marselis come from?
The surname Marselis is most commonly found in northern Europe, primarily in Denmark. It is thought to have first been used by a family in Denmark in the 13th century, which gradually spread throughout the continent.
Today, Marselis can be found in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.K. In addition, individuals with the surname have emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries all over the world.
In the U.S., Marselis is most prevalent in New York, New Jersey, and California, but can be found in most states. The Marselis family line can also be traced in Canada, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia, while in Australia, many of those who bear the name can be traced to Danish and German immigrants who moved to the country in the 19th century.
Given Marselis’ northern European roots, it is still found in abundance in Scandinavian countries. It is thought to be the 109th most popular surname in Denmark and is also common in Norway and Sweden. In Finland, it ranks 213th in popularity.
In all, Marselis is a widespread surname, widely used in countries around the globe. Its highest concentrations are still found in northern Europe, but its presence can be found in almost every corner of the world.
Variations of the surname Marselis
The surname Marselis is most likely derived from the French name Marceau. In France, Marceau itself is an occupational surname given to a blacksmith or hammer-man, derived from the Latin word marculus, meaning "hammer". Other variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin can include Marceau, Marcelis, Marsel, Marcaille, Marcall, Marcell, Marcelet, Marcelo, Marce, and Marcelin.
In England, Marselis is thought to be derived from the Germanic given name Marsilius, which is derived from the Latin Marsilius, meaning "warlike". Records of the name, dating back to the twelfth century, show that it was brought to England by Norman settlers and has since evolved into various spellings and surnames, including Marselis, Marsel,Mersill, Marshell and Marceus.
In Scotland, Marselis is believed to be derived from the Gaelic given name Macscarlais, which is thought to be derived from a Latin cognomen of the same spelling, meaning “the brave one”. The name has since evolved to become Macsarlais, Maccarless and Mackarles, eventually becoming the surname Marselis.
The surname Marselis is one that has evolved throughout Europe over a long period of time, with many variations in spelling giving rise to a multitude of surnames. In England, Scotland, Germany, France, and other parts of Europe, the same origin has given rise to many spellings and surnames of the Marselis name, all of which share a common ancestry.
Famous people with the name Marselis
- Carl Marselis Boathwright: American textile manufacturer and politician
- Adolph Marselis: American politician
- Friederike Marselis: German goldsmith and sculptor
- Ariane Marselis: French actress
- Caroline Marselis: Danish fashion designer
- Hyppolite Marselis: Famous French impressionist artist
- Jean Marselis: Dutch painter, etcher and watercolorist
- Marcelus Marselis: Flemish Baroque painter
- Tancrède Marselis: French playwright
- Arthur Marselis: American businessmen and philanthropist