Marek is of Slavic origin, specifically from the Czech and Polish languages, meaning 'warlike' or 'of Mars'. It is derived from the Roman god of war, Mars. This name has been widely used in Central and Eastern Europe for centuries, with notable historical figures such as Emperor Charles IV of the Holy Roman Empire who had a brother named Marek. In English-speaking countries, Marek may be considered somewhat exotic due to its Slavic roots but it is gaining popularity due to its unique sound and strong meaning. It has a single syllable which makes it easy to pronounce and remember. As for its variants, Marek is used in some languages like Hungarian or Slovak, while Marius is an alternative spelling found occasionally in other European countries.
"Marek saw its debut as a given name in 2007 with five newborns bearing this name."