MallowbyNames

Marisela

mah-ree-SEH-lah · Combination of Maria and Celia, or a Spanish diminutive of María.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,987
Babies named in 2025
26
Peak popularity
1985
2025 frequency
1 in 61,818 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1986

Declining since 1986, #4,987 for girls today.

Popularity of Marisela since 1945

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

1372734101960198020002020Most births 1985Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s49
1950s289
1960s766
1970s2,088
1980s2,633
1990s2,435
2000s1,322
2010s517
2020s210

Meaning & origin

Marisela is a Spanish compound name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1945. It reached its peak popularity in 1985, when it ranked highest among Hispanic families, particularly in California and Texas. Its usage has been falling since 1986, and in 2025 it ranked 4,987th with approximately 1 in 61,818 girls given the name. Despite its decline, Marisela remains a recognizable name with a melodic sound, often chosen to honor family tradition.

Marisela is a Spanish compound name, blending María (ultimately from Hebrew Miriam) with Celia (from Latin Caecilia) or possibly a diminutive form of María. It emerged in the Hispanic world and has been used primarily in Spain and Latin America since the mid-20th century.

Where Marisela 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, Sela, Maris

Variants: Maricela, Mariela

Sibling names for Marisela

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

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

M is for Marisela, our favorite little girl.

M is for Marisela…”

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

Make Marisela's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Marisela mean?
Marisela is a Spanish name combining María and Celia, often interpreted as 'bitter sea' from María but more directly a compound name.
How popular is the name Marisela?
Marisela ranked 4,987th in the U.S. in 2025, with about 1 in 61,818 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak popularity was in 1985.
Is Marisela a boy or girl name?
Marisela is almost exclusively a girl's name.