Mario
Meaning of Mario
The name Mario is a classic and timeless choice for boys, with roots deeply embedded in various European cultures. Originating from the Latin name Marius, Mario is widely used in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking countries. In these languages, it is pronounced as MAH-ree-oh (/ˈma.ri.o/), with a slight variation in Portuguese where it is pronounced as MAH-ree-oo (/ˈma.ri.u/). The name carries strong cultural associations: it's famously linked to the beloved video game character Mario from Nintendo's iconic series, which has endeared the name to millions worldwide. Beyond pop culture, Mario is also associated with historical figures and saints, adding a layer of depth and tradition to its appeal. Over the years, Mario has maintained steady popularity in the United States, consistently ranking within the top 500 names for newborn boys since records began in 1900. Its variations include Marius and Marino, offering parents alternative options while retaining the same classic charm.
Pronunciation
Spanish
- Pronunced as MAH-ree-oh (/ˈma.ri.o/)
Italian
- Pronunced as MAH-ree-oh (/ˈmɑr.i.o/)
Portuguese
- Pronunced as MAH-ree-oo (/ˈma.ri.u/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Mario
| Mario Balotelli Barwuah is an Italian professional footballer known for his role as a striker at Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor. |
| Mario Vargas Llosa, a renowned Peruvian novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature winner, is considered one of the most influential writers of the Latin American Boom. |
| Mario Draghi is an Italian economist, academic, banker, and civil servant who served as Prime Minister of Italy and President of the European Central Bank. |
| Mario Gabriele Andretti is an Italian-born American former racing driver known for his success in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR. |
| Mario Lemieux, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is known for his exceptional skills and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. |
| Mario Molina - Mario José Molina Henríquez, a Mexican physical chemist, was awarded the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pivotal role in discovering the threat to the Earth's ozone layer from chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases. |
| Mario Lanza was a popular American tenor and actor in the late 1940s and 1950s, known for his Hollywood film stardom and impressive singing talent. |
| Mario Chalmers is a former American professional basketball player known for his successful college career at the University of Kansas and his time in the NBA. |
| Mario Savio was an influential American activist known for his passionate speeches during the Berkeley Free Speech Movement, particularly his "Bodies Upon the Gears" address at the University of California, Berkeley in 1964. |
| Mario Batali is a renowned American chef, writer, and former restaurateur known for his restaurants across various cities and appearances on Food Network shows, but faced controversy and sold his restaurant holdings due to accusations of sexual misconduct. |
| Mario Kassar - Mario F. Kassar is a Lebanese-American film producer known for producing iconic films such as the Rambo series, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Total Recall, and Stargate. |
| Mario Van Peebles is an American film director and actor, recognized for his roles in Heartbreak Ridge and New Jack City, as well as for directing and starring in USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage, and for his portrayal of his father in the biopic Baadasssss! |
| Mario Lopez is a well-known American actor and television host, recognized for his roles in Saved by the Bell and as a host on various entertainment shows. |
| Mario Puzo was an American author and screenwriter known for his crime novels about the Mafia, including The Godfather, which he adapted into a film trilogy directed by Francis Ford Coppola. |
| Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi is a former Argentine professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and success with Valencia in La Liga. |
