"beloved of God, of the sea"
Origin: Hebrew/Latin
Language: Spanish
Marisela
Marisela is a girl name of Hebrew/Latin origin meaning "beloved of God, of the sea." Ranked #4,323 in the US, popular nicknames include Mari, Sela, and Mary.
A melodious Latin name with sea and heaven in its heart
Spanish
Mexican
Latin American
Elegant
Earthy
Traditional
Classic
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"combination of Maria and Marcela (little warrior)"
Origin: Latin/Hebrew
Language: Spanish
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The Story of Marisela
Marisela is a Spanish feminine name formed by combining 'Mari' (a diminutive of Maria, from the Hebrew Miriam meaning 'beloved' or 'bitterness') and the suffix '-sela' or '-cela' (meaning 'little one' or from the Latin 'caelum,' sky/heaven). Some etymologists connect the ending to 'Marcela' (hammer) or simply see it as a melodic extension of Maria. The name has been used throughout Mexico and Latin America, where creative compound names ending in '-ela' or '-sela' are a cherished naming tradition.
Marisela has been a consistent presence in Mexican American communities and throughout Latin America for generations. It peaked in the US Hispanic community in the 1980s–1990s. The name is also associated with Marisela, a beloved Mexican singer and actress of the 1980s who achieved wide fame throughout Latin America.
In Mexican culture, Marisela is considered an especially musical name—its four syllables create a natural melody when spoken. The singer Marisela Zúñiga (simply known as Marisela) was one of the biggest Mexican pop stars of the 1980s, giving the name strong entertainment associations.
Historical Record
Marisela first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 10,233 babies have been named Marisela in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Marisela is past its peak , currently ranked #4,323 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mexican singer Marisela was one of the biggest pop stars of 1980s Latin America, known for ballads and pop
- The name's musical quality—four syllables with a stress on the third—makes it naturally lyrical
- Marisela is most popular in Mexico, Texas, California, and throughout Latin America
Marisela in Other Languages
French
Marisela
English
Marisela
Italian
Marisela
Spanish
Marisela
Portuguese
Marisela
Popularity Over Time
#4,323
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1985
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Marisela
M
Marisela Zúñiga
Musician
1966
Mexican singer known professionally as Marisela, one of the biggest Latin pop stars of the 1980s
M
Marisela Federici
Actor
1963
Venezuelan actress and television personality known for her telenovela work
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #4,323
- Total SSA Count
- 33
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Mexican Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mari
Sela
Mary
Maris
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Latin American 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Marisela
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Marisela is also used as a boy name, ranked #42809.
View Marisela as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marisela
What does the name Marisela mean?
"beloved of God, of the sea" (from Hebrew/Latin). "combination of Maria and Marcela (little warrior)" (from Latin/Hebrew). Marisela is a Spanish feminine name formed by combining 'Mari' (a diminutive of Maria, from the Hebrew Miriam meaning 'beloved' or 'bitterness') and the suffix '-sela' or '-cela' (meaning 'little one' or from the Latin 'caelum,' sky/heaven). Some etymologists connect the ending to 'Marcela' (hammer) or simply see it as a melodic extension of Maria. The name has been used throughout Mexico and Latin America, where creative compound names ending in '-ela' or '-sela' are a cherished naming tradition.
What is the origin of the name Marisela?
Marisela has Hebrew/Latin, Latin/Hebrew, Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American origins. In Hebrew/Latin, it means "beloved of God, of the sea". In Latin/Hebrew, it means "combination of Maria and Marcela (little warrior)".
Is Marisela a boy or girl name?
Marisela is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4323. As a boy name, it is ranked #42809. Marisela is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Marisela?
Marisela is currently ranked #4323 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Marisela?
Common nicknames for Marisela include Mari, Sela, Mary, and Maris.
What are good middle names for Marisela?
Popular middle name pairings include Marisela Elena, Marisela Isabel, Marisela Guadalupe, Marisela Luz, Marisela Carmen, Marisela Rosa, and Marisela Esperanza.
What are good sibling names for Marisela?
Names that pair well with Marisela as siblings include Graciela, Consuela, Rosario, Alejandro, Miguel, Fernando, and Valentina.
How many syllables does Marisela have?
Marisela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Marisela a common or rare name?
Marisela is an uncommon name, ranked #4323 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Marisela?
About the Name Marisela
Marisela is a girl name with Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American origins . The name means "beloved of God, of the sea" in Hebrew/Latin .
Is Marisela a boy or girl name? Marisela is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,323 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #42,809. Marisela is more commonly used as a girl name.
Marisela is currently ranked #4,323 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Marisela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Marisela include Mari, Sela, Mary, and Maris. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Marisela 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