Mark

Traditionally “of Mars”; in a separate German short-form route, “boundary”.

Mark is a masculine name with Latin roots through Marcus, a Roman given name probably connected with Mars. Its Christian associations come from the Gospel traditionally attributed to Mark. Those are two different layers of its history: the Roman name came before the biblical connection. The sound is compact and definite, with a soft m opening and a clean k finish. Compared with Marcus, Mark feels less formal and more direct; its brevity gives it an understated, grounded quality. Marc, the related French form, offers the same spare look with a different final letter. Mark may appeal if you like a classic name with very little ornament.

Etymology: Mark is a form of Latin Marcus, probably related to Mars, the Roman god of war. In German it can also shorten names beginning with Mark-, an element meaning boundary.