Maricel

“bitter”

Spain origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1828US 2023

372Births / yr

→Stable

460All-time births

📅 Since 196400

How to pronounce Maricel

MAH·ree·SEL

/ˈmɑ.riː.ˈsɛl/ · stress on MAH · 4 syllables

“bitter”

Spain origin · Girl name

What does Maricel mean and where does it come from?

The name Maricel is a popular feminine name in the Philippines, often used as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. The name combines elements from 'Maria,' which is of Hebrew origin meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved,' and 'Celia,' of Latin origin meaning 'heavenly.' The name gained popularity in the mid-20th ce

Cultural significance

Maricel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spanish.

Peak popularity

Reached #4111 in 1984 — currently #1828 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Maricel?

Maricel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Maricel Grace

How popular is Maricel right now?

Holding steady — currently #1828 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#1828 · Top 1.3%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1828	372	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1833	352	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2021	#1838	322	▲ up 10244 · +3925% births
2005	#12082	8	▲ up 1493 · +33% births
2000	#13575	6	▼ down 2709 · -14% births
1995	#10866	7	▼ down 6569 · -70% births
1990	#4297	23	▲ up 681 · +53% births
1985	#4978	15	▲ up 149 · +7% births
1980	#5127	14	▼ down 62 · +17% births
1975	#5065	12	▲ up 670 · +33% births
1970	#5735	9	▲ up 1634 · +80% births
1965	#7369	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Maricel

Best Year2023Rank #1828

Peak Count372

Average Rank#6216

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1965 - 202312 years

The story of Maricel

Maricel is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1964. With 460 total births recorded, Maricel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7369 in 1965 to #1828 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Maricel in 1984:

Jennifer Jessica Ashley Amanda Sarah

Maricel by decade

Maricel peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	38
1970s	106
1980s ★	134
1990s	115
2000s	62
2010s	5

💎Maricel has only 460 total recorded births since 1964 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Maricel?

Common

MarMarieMaryIcel

What names sound and feel like Maricel?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maricel also consider these

Marisel

Spain · Combination of Maria

Spanish · Lion of God

Maciel

Spain · Son of the

Masiel

Spain · Gift from God

Maycel

American · A variation of

Gricel

Spain · Pearl

Common questions about the name Maricel

What does the name Maricel mean?

Maricel means "Spanish" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Maricel?

Maricel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Maricel?

Maricel originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Maricel?

Maricel is a four-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R IY0 S EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Maricel?

Maricel pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.