Mark is a popular male given name originating from the ancient Latin "Mart-kos," which meaning "consecrated to the deity Mars" and may also indicate "God of battle" or "to be warlike." Marcus was one of the top three most popular Roman surnames. In English, it has become a first name used as a short form of Marcia, Marcius, Marlon, Marvin, Martyn, Martin, Matthew, Maynard, Michael, Mitch, Monty, and Norman. Mark is used as a first name by many people. It is derived from the Latin word for "martyr" and thus can be used as a Christian name. It also can be used as a surname. According to the Social Security Administration, Mark is the 9th most popular boys' given name in the United States. It ranks below Mason but above Miller. In the English language, Mark is the 3rd most common name. Following Daniel and John, it is the most common biblical name among Christians. Mark is used as a first name by many people within the Bible industry. It is the name of at least six individuals in the New Testament: Jesus' friend and apostle Mark (who is not to be confused with Jesus), two other apostles named Mark (one of whom may have been the author of the Gospel of Mark), and three saints named Mark.