Marinus

Meaning of Marinus

Marinus is a masculine given name of clear Latin provenance, derived from the adjective marinus, “of the sea,” and historically borne by the early Christian hermit Saint Marinus, founder of San Marino. Phonologically, it comprises three syllables with medial stress—Latin /məˈriːnʊs/ and Dutch /mɑˈriːnʏs/—each variant reflecting subtle vowel shifts but retaining the same rhythmic contour. Analytically speaking, its morphology is straightforward, with the root marcating maritime imagery that connotes steadfastness and breadth. In the United States, Marinus saw modest usage during the first half of the 20th century, peaking in 1911 at rank 297 before gradually declining to sporadic appearances—only five newborns in 1950, for instance—underscoring its rarity and appeal to parents seeking a classical yet uncommon name.