A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marella since 1918
Babies named Marella per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 28 |
| 1940s | 15 |
| 1950s | 36 |
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 99 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 51 |
| 2000s | 32 |
| 2010s | 47 |
| 2020s | 67 |
Meaning & origin
Marella is an Italian name with a melodic, feminine sound that has seen modest but enduring use in the United States. First recorded in American data around 1918, it reached its peak rank in 1973, when it was most popular. Since 2012, its trajectory has been rising, reflecting a renewed interest in vintage Italian names. At a rank of 10,107 in 2025, Marella remains uncommon, with about 1 in every 178,585 newborn girls receiving the name. Its early 20th-century entry mirrors waves of Italian immigration, and while it has never cracked the top 1,000, its steady if rare usage gives it a distinctive charm. The name's connection to the sea and possible Marian roots adds depth, making it a subtle choice for parents seeking an uncommon name with European flair.
Marella is an Italian name, likely a variant of Maria combined with the suffix '-ella', or possibly a feminine form of Marello, itself a diminutive of Mario. The name may also be linked to the Latin 'mare' (sea), reinforced by its phonetic similarity to 'stellamaris' (star of the sea), a title for the Virgin Mary. It has been used in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities since the late 19th century, with a peak in the United States during the 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mari, Ella, Rella
Sibling names for Marella
Names that share Marella's style, for a brother or sister.
