MallowbyNames

Arcelia

ar-SEH-lee-uh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Orcelia, a Spanish elaboration of Oceana or a feminine form of Arcangel.

2025 rank (girls)
#5,917
Babies named in 2025
20
Peak popularity
1975
2025 frequency
1 in 80,363 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1999

Declining since 1999, #5,917 for girls today.

Popularity of Arcelia since 1908

Babies named Arcelia per year in U.S. Social Security records.

153146192019602000Most births 1975Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1900s5
1910s19
1920s100
1930s76
1940s125
1950s174
1960s160
1970s291
1980s252
1990s269
2000s198
2010s96
2020s71

Meaning & origin

Arcelia is a relatively rare name that has seen declining usage since 1999, with a rank of 5,917 in 2025. It was given to roughly 1 in 80,363 newborn girls that year, a low frequency typical of a niche choice. The name peaked in popularity in 1975, suggesting a generational appeal. For a name first recorded in 1908, it has neither gained nor sustained widespread use, and its top states are sparsely recorded. This trajectory indicates Arcelia remains a subtle, culturally specific choice rather than a mainstream favorite.

Arcelia is a name of uncertain origin, emerging in the United States in the early 20th century, possibly as a Spanish variant of Orcelia or a creation influenced by names like Arcelia and Celia. It has since been used primarily in Hispanic communities, though its precise derivation remains debated.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Arce, Cellie, Arly

Variants: Orcelia

Sibling names for Arcelia

Names that share Arcelia's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Arcelia, our favorite little girl.

A is for Arcelia…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Arcelia's letter becomes Arcelia's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Arcelia's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Arcelia mean?
The meaning of Arcelia is uncertain. It may be a variant of Orcelia, a Spanish elaboration of Oceana, or a feminine form of Arcangel.
How popular is the name Arcelia?
Arcelia ranked 5,917 in 2025 and was given to 1 in approximately 80,363 newborn girls. It peaked in popularity in 1975.
Is Arcelia a boy or girl name?
Arcelia is primarily a girl's name. It has almost exclusively been used for girls in U.S. records since 1908.