A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Maricela since 1944
Babies named Maricela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 101 |
| 1950s | 452 |
| 1960s | 1,252 |
| 1970s | 3,083 |
| 1980s | 2,908 |
| 1990s | 2,680 |
| 2000s | 1,543 |
| 2010s | 737 |
| 2020s | 321 |
Meaning & origin
Maricela first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1944 and saw its peak popularity in 1977, when the name reached its highest rank. After declining for decades, Maricela has been rising again since 2020, showing renewed interest. It is currently the 2,691st most popular name, with about 1 in 25,114 newborn girls receiving it. The name is especially common in Texas and California. As a Spanish compound name blending Mary and Marcela, Maricela reflects both religious and classical influences, and its enduring appeal in Hispanic communities keeps it a familiar yet distinctive choice.
Maricela originated as a Spanish and Mexican compound name, combining María and Marcela (or Celia). María derives from Hebrew Maryam, traditionally interpreted as 'beloved' or 'wished-for child,' while Marcela is a feminine form of Marcel, from the Roman name Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus, which is linked to Mars, the Roman god of war. The name became particularly common in Mexican and Chicano communities in the United States from the mid-20th century.
Where Maricela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mari, Cela, Mar
Sibling names for Maricela
Names that share Maricela's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Araceli, Guadalupe, Leticia, Rosa, Yesenia, Criselda, Aracelia, Luzelena, Annaliza, Betsaida, Chriselda, Dilcia, Llesenia, Mauricia, Aracelly, Aricela, Briceyda, Erendida, Karlita, Maricsa, Marieliz, Yarixa
Brothers: Javier, Arturo, Hector, Ramon, Salvador, Angelito, Donaciano, Abelino, Bulmaro, Yobany, Feliberto, Jencarlo, Ranferi
