Declining since 2004, #1,229 for girls today.
Popularity of Mariela since 1958
Babies named Mariela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 94 |
| 1970s | 470 |
| 1980s | 1,218 |
| 1990s | 3,558 |
| 2000s | 3,689 |
| 2010s | 1,657 |
| 2020s | 968 |
Meaning & origin
Mariela entered U.S. records in 1958 and reached its peak popularity in 1992. Since 2004, its usage has been gradually declining, though it remains a recognizable Spanish diminutive of María. In 2025, it ranked 1229th with approximately 1 in 8,783 newborn girls receiving the name. The most common states for Mariela include Virginia, Texas, and Massachusetts, reflecting its Hispanic cultural roots. The name carries the same debated meanings as its root, María (star of the sea or bitter), and offers a softer alternative to the more common María or Mariana.
Mariela is a Spanish and Italian diminutive of María, which derives from the Hebrew name Miriam. The meaning of Miriam is disputed, but popular interpretations include 'bitter' and 'star of the sea'. Mariela emerged as an independent given name in the Spanish-speaking world, gaining popularity in the 20th century.
Where Mariela 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.
“Mariela” around the world
Where Mariela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mari, Ela
Sibling names for Mariela
Names that share Mariela's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Mariela
Names whose popularity has moved with Mariela's over the last 50 years.
