The surname Marx is a Germanic surname. The origins thereof is most likely Austrian, as the earliest known records of the surname Marx is found in Austria.

The surname Marx was first found in Austria, where the name could be considered to have made a great contribution to the feudal society which became the backbone of modern Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses which played important roles in the local and national conflicts, with each group seeking power and status in an ever changing territorial profile."[1]

The German/Austrian surname can still be found in Germany and Austria. It can also be found in various other places where German settlers moved such as the USA, South Africa and England.

The origins of Marx could possibly be Roman, meaning "of mars" in reference to the Roman god of war. It could also be a derivative of "Marks" and have its origin due to early European Christians naming themselves after the Apostle Mark.

The surname can also be found under the Jewish community as is the case with many German surnames, this is due to the fact that Jews were persecuted in these states at various times throughout history, and would change their surnames to local surnames in order to avoid persecution. In the case of the surname Marx, most notably, the father of Karl Marx changed his name to Heinrich Marx in 1817 or 1818 due to the persecution of Jews in Prussia.

Marx' is a Germanised form of the Jewish family name Mordechai. It is also possibly derived from Marcus.[2]

Notable people with the surname

Politics

Television and film

  • Marx Brothers, a team of American sibling comedians that appeared in vaudeville, stage plays, film and television
    • The brothers:
    • Other family members:
      • Arthur Marx (1921–2011), son of Groucho Marx, writer
      • Barbara Marx (1927–2017), wife of Zeppo Marx who later became the final wife of Frank Sinatra
      • Gregg Marx (born 1955), grandson of Milton "Gummo" Marx, great-nephew of Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx, actor known mainly for his work on daytime soap operas
      • Melinda Marx (born 1946), daughter of Groucho Marx, writer
      • Minnie Marx (1864/5–1929), mother and manager for the Marx Brothers, sister of Al Shean
      • Miriam Marx (1927–2017), daughter of Groucho Marx, writer
      • Sam Marx (1859–1933), father of the Marx Brothers
  • Brett Marx (born 1964), American actor
  • Carey Marx, British comedian
  • Christy Marx, TV series writer
  • Frederick Marx, film producer, editor, writer and director
  • Samuel Marx, MGM story editor, film producer, and author
  • Sue Marx (1930-2023), American documentary film director and producer

Music

Sports

In other fields

Other media

  • Bernard Marx, one of the main characters in the novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Carlo Marx, character in the novel On the Road by Jack Kerouac
  • Skidd McMarxx, minor character in the game Ratchet and Clank, whose name is primarily a play on words (he plays a sport similar to Slalom snowboarding)

See also

References

  1. "Marx History, Family Crest, Coat of Arms".
  2. "Marks Surname Meaning, History & Origin".
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