"drop of the sea, beloved"
Origin: Hebrew via Spanish
Language: Spanish
Maricela
Does Maricela flow with your last name?
A lyrical Spanish jewel with deep Marian roots
Spanish
Mexican
Latin American
Elegant
Traditional
Royal
Sophisticated
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Meaning & Origin
"blend of Maria and Marcela"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
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The Story of Maricela
Maricela is a Spanish compound name combining Maria (from Hebrew Miriam, meaning drop of the sea or beloved) with the diminutive suffix -cela, producing a softened, lyrical form of the name. It may also be interpreted as a blend of Maria and Marcela (from Marcus, meaning of Mars). The name has been popular in Mexico and Latin America since the early 20th century.
Maricela has been a steady presence in the US Hispanic community, particularly in California, Texas, and Florida. It peaked in US usage in the 1980s-1990s among families with Mexican and Central American heritage.
As a variant of Maria, Maricela carries the deep Marian devotion central to Latin American Catholic culture. The Virgin Mary is venerated under hundreds of titles throughout the Spanish-speaking world, and Maria-compound names are a longstanding tradition.
Historical Record
Maricela first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 12,911 babies have been named Maricela in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maricela is past its peak , currently ranked #3,060 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Maricela was a top-200 name in the US in the 1990s, driven by the Hispanic baby boom
- The Maricela telenovela character appeared in multiple Latin American soap operas in the 1990s
Maricela in Other Languages
French
Marie-Celine (similar)
Italian
Maricella
Spanish
Maricela
Portuguese
Maricela
Popularity Over Time
#3,060
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1977
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maricela
M
Maricela Cornejo
Athlete
1974
Mexican-American boxer and one of the pioneering women in professional boxing
M
Maricela Fuentes
Musician
Mexican singer known in regional Mexican music
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Compare Maricela with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #3,060
- Total SSA Count
- 53
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Mexican Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mari
Cela
Marce
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Latin American heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maricela
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Maricela is also used as a boy name, ranked #30352.
View Maricela as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maricela
What does the name Maricela mean?
"drop of the sea, beloved" (from Hebrew via Spanish). "blend of Maria and Marcela" (from Spanish). Maricela is a Spanish compound name combining Maria (from Hebrew Miriam, meaning drop of the sea or beloved) with the diminutive suffix -cela, producing a softened, lyrical form of the name. It may also be interpreted as a blend of Maria and Marcela (from Marcus, meaning of Mars). The name has been popular in Mexico and Latin America since the early 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Maricela?
Maricela has Hebrew via Spanish, Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American origins. In Hebrew via Spanish, it means "drop of the sea, beloved". In Spanish, it means "blend of Maria and Marcela".
Is Maricela a boy or girl name?
Maricela is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3060. As a boy name, it is ranked #30352. Maricela is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Maricela?
Maricela is currently ranked #3060 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maricela?
Common nicknames for Maricela include Mari, Cela, and Marce.
What are good middle names for Maricela?
Popular middle name pairings include Maricela Isabel, Maricela Lucia, Maricela Elena, Maricela Sofia, Maricela Valentina, and Maricela Alejandra.
What are good sibling names for Maricela?
Names that pair well with Maricela as siblings include Rodrigo, Sebastian, Valentina, Camila, Alejandro, and Isabella.
How many syllables does Maricela have?
Maricela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Maricela a common or rare name?
Maricela is an uncommon name, ranked #3060 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Maricela?
About the Name Maricela
Maricela is a girl name with Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American origins . The name means "drop of the sea, beloved" in Hebrew via Spanish .
Is Maricela a boy or girl name? Maricela is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,060 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #30,352. Maricela is more commonly used as a girl name.
Maricela is currently ranked #3,060 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maricela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Maricela include Mari, Cela, and Marce. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maricela include Maria, Mariana, Mariah, Mariam, Marie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis