"beloved, wished-for child"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Spanish
Mariela
Girl Name
#1,323 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
4 Syllables
A melodious Spanish diminutive of María with romantic grace
Spanish
Italian
Latin American
Portuguese
Elegant
Romantic
Classic
Gentle
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"star of the sea"
Origin: Latin
Language: Spanish
The Story of Mariela
Mariela is a Spanish and Italian diminutive of Maria, itself from the Hebrew Miriam. The name's meaning combines theories about Maria: most commonly associated with 'beloved' or 'wished-for child,' or from the Latin 'mare' meaning sea, giving the interpretation 'star of the sea.' Mariela adds a tender, diminutive suffix that is characteristic of Spanish and Italian naming traditions.
Mariela has been a steady presence in Latin American countries, particularly in Argentina, Cuba, and Mexico. It maintains classic appeal without being overused, offering parents the familiar María root with a more distinctive extended form. Cuban actress Mariela Bejerano and similar public figures have maintained its visibility.
Mariela Castro Espín, daughter of Raúl Castro, has been a prominent activist for LGBTQ rights in Cuba, bringing the name into contemporary political discourse. In broader Latin American culture, Mariela represents the warm, melodious naming tradition that values both beauty and religious heritage.
Fun Facts
- Mariela Castro Espín, daughter of Cuban President Raúl Castro, is known for her advocacy for LGBTQ rights in Cuba
- The name Mariela appears frequently in Latin American telenovelas and soap operas
- Maria and its variants are the most widely used name in the world across all languages and cultures
Mariela in Other Languages
French
Mariela
English
Mariela
Italian
Mariella
Spanish
Mariela
Portuguese
Mariela
Famous People Named Mariela
M
Mariela Fabbiani
Entertainer
1976
Argentine television presenter and actress, one of the most recognizable faces in Argentine television
M
Mariela Castro Espín
Activist
1962
Cuban sexologist, politician, and director of CENESEX, known for advocating LGBTQ rights in Cuba
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #1,323
- Total SSA Count
- 173
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian Latin American Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mari
Ela
Riel
Mariel
Pairs Well With
Mariela Guadalupe
Mariela Isabel
Mariela Sofía
Mariela Valentina
Mariela Cruz
Mariela Elena
Mariela Alejandra
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Mariela is also used as a boy name, ranked #11590.
View Mariela as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mariela
What does the name Mariela mean?
"beloved, wished-for child" (from Hebrew). "star of the sea" (from Latin). Mariela is a Spanish and Italian diminutive of Maria, itself from the Hebrew Miriam. The name's meaning combines theories about Maria: most commonly associated with 'beloved' or 'wished-for child,' or from the Latin 'mare' meaning sea, giving the interpretation 'star of the sea.' Mariela adds a tender, diminutive suffix that is characteristic of Spanish and Italian naming traditions.
What is the origin of the name Mariela?
Mariela has Hebrew, Latin, Spanish, Italian, Latin American, and Portuguese origins. In Hebrew, it means "beloved, wished-for child". In Latin, it means "star of the sea".
Is Mariela a boy or girl name?
Mariela is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1323. As a boy name, it is ranked #11590. Mariela is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Mariela?
Mariela is currently ranked #1323 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mariela?
Common nicknames for Mariela include Mari, Ela, Riel, and Mariel.
What are good middle names for Mariela?
Popular middle name pairings include Mariela Guadalupe, Mariela Isabel, Mariela Sofía, Mariela Valentina, Mariela Cruz, Mariela Elena, and Mariela Alejandra.
What are good sibling names for Mariela?
Names that pair well with Mariela as siblings include Gabriela, Daniela, Alejandro, Sebastian, Isabella, Valentina, Emilio, and Camila.
How many syllables does Mariela have?
Mariela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Mariela a common or rare name?
Mariela is an uncommon name, ranked #1323 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Mariela
Mariela is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, Latin American, and Portuguese origins . The name means "beloved, wished-for child" in Hebrew .
Is Mariela a boy or girl name? Mariela is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,323 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #11,590. Mariela is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mariela is currently ranked #1,323 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mariela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Mariela include Mari, Ela, Riel, and Mariel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mariela include Maria, Mariana, Mariah, Mariam, Marie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.