MallowbyNames

Marielena

mah-ree-eh-LEH-nah · Combination of Maria and Elena, typically interpreted as 'sea of bitterness' (from Maria) and 'bright, shining light' (from Elena).

2025 rank (girls)
#5,554
Babies named in 2025
22
Peak popularity
1992
2025 frequency
1 in 73,058 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1993

Declining since 1993, #5,554 for girls today.

Popularity of Marielena since 1941

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

39781171960198020002020Most births 1992Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s9
1950s0
1960s46
1970s67
1980s142
1990s505
2000s326
2010s186
2020s93

Meaning & origin

Marielena is a compound Spanish and Italian name blending Maria and Elena. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1941, a relatively late start compared to many traditional names, and saw its peak popularity in 1992. Since 1993, its usage has been falling, consistent with the broader trend away from double-barreled and elaborate feminine names. In 2025, it ranked 5,554th, with approximately 1 in 73,058 girls receiving the name. Its strongest regional association is California, reflecting the larger Hispanic population there.

Marielena is a compound name formed from Maria and Elena. Maria derives from the Hebrew Maryam, of debated meaning but often given as 'sea of bitterness' or 'beloved,' while Elena comes from the Greek Helene, meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' The combination arose in Spanish- and Italian-speaking communities as a double-barreled given name, similar to Maria Elena. Though less common than the two-name form, Marielena has been used in the United States since at least the early 1940s, primarily among families with Hispanic heritage.

Where Marielena is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mary, Mari, Elena, Lena, Mariele

Variants: Maria Elena, Maryelena

Sibling names for Marielena

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

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

M is for Marielena, our favorite little girl.

M is for Marielena…”

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

Make Marielena's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Marielena mean?
Marielena combines Maria ('sea of bitterness' or 'beloved') and Elena ('bright, shining light'), so it is often interpreted as 'bright bitterness' or 'beloved light,' though compound names do not have a single fixed meaning.
How popular is Marielena currently?
Marielena is rare in the United States. In 2025 it ranked 5,554th, with about 1 in every 73,058 girls given the name.
Is Marielena a girl's name?
Yes, Marielena is almost exclusively used as a girl's name, derived from the feminine names Maria and Elena.