MallowbyNames

Mariel

מריאלMAHR-ee-el · Of uncertain origin; possibly a combination of Maria and the suffix -el, or derived from the Hebrew name Miriam.

2025 rank (girls)
#893
Babies named in 2025
298
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 5,394 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2012

Rising since 2012, #893 for girls today.

Popularity of Mariel since 1914

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

99199298192019602000Most births 2025Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s45
1920s116
1930s161
1940s101
1950s79
1960s68
1970s269
1980s1,550
1990s1,870
2000s1,253
2010s977
2020s993

Meaning & origin

Mariel is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1914. It has been steadily rising in popularity since 2012, reaching its peak in 2025, when it ranked 893rd nationally. The name is most common in Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. Its exact origin is debated: some see it as a diminutive or variant of Mary or Maria, while others consider it a contraction of Maribel or a combination of Maria and the suffix -el. Despite its modern sound, Mariel has a century-long history in the United States and continues to gain favor among parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar name.

Mariel is a modern coinage, likely formed from Maria and the fashionable suffix -el. It emerged in the early 20th century, first recorded in the United States in 1914. The name has seen rising popularity since 2012, particularly in states like Arizona, Texas, and Nevada.

Where Mariel 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mari, Elle

Variants: Marielle, Mariella

Sibling names for Mariel

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

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

M is for Mariel, our favorite little girl.

M is for Mariel…”

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

Make Mariel's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does Mariel mean?
The meaning of Mariel is uncertain: it may be a blend of Maria, meaning 'beloved' or 'bitter', and the Hebrew suffix -el, meaning 'God', or it may be derived from Miriam.
How popular is the name Mariel?
In 2025, Mariel ranked 893rd in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 5,394 newborn girls given the name.
Is Mariel a boy or girl name?
Mariel is primarily used as a girl's name.