What does Maricela mean and where does it come from?
Maricela is a beautiful Spanish name combining 'María', which means 'bitter', but is more widely associated with purity, and 'Marcela', which derives from 'Marcus', meaning 'warlike'. The name is particularly popular in Mexico and among Hispanic communities in the United States. Maricela is often us
Cultural significance
Maricela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Mexico-speaking communities, where it reflects values of combination of maría and marcela.
Peak popularity
Reached #453 in 1977 — currently #1113 in the US.
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Related Reading
Mexico-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maricela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maricela?
Maricela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maricela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maricela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maricela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maricela Claire
French influence · crisp
Maricela Jane
Literary · strong
Maricela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maricela right now?
Holding steady — currently #1113 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1113 | 1,087 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1118 | 1,067 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1123 | 1,037 | ▲ up 2150 · +2106% births |
| 2020 | #3273 | 47 | ▼ down 271 · -18% births |
| 2015 | #3002 | 57 | ▼ down 925 · -40% births |
| 2010 | #2077 | 95 | ▼ down 594 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #1483 | 142 | ▼ down 339 · -20% births |
| 2000 | #1144 | 178 | ▼ down 268 · -18% births |
| 1995 | #876 | 218 | ▼ down 293 · -45% births |
| 1990 | #583 | 398 | ▲ up 12 · +23% births |
| 1985 | #595 | 323 | ▼ down 29 · -2% births |
| 1980 | #566 | 328 | ▲ up 5 · +13% births |
| 1975 | #571 | 291 | ▲ up 257 · +75% births |
| 1970 | #828 | 166 | ▲ up 29 · +21% births |
| 1965 | #857 | 137 | — |
The story of Maricela
Maricela entered American naming records in 1944 and has been in use for over 80 years. A total of 12,854 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2739 in 1945 to #1113 in 2023. Maricela is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maricela in 1977:
Maricela by decade
Maricela peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 101 | |
| 1950s | 452 | |
| 1960s | 1,251 | |
| 1970s ★ | 3,095 | |
| 1980s | 2,947 | |
| 1990s | 2,684 | |
| 2000s | 1,542 | |
| 2010s | 735 | |
| 2020s | 47 | |
What are good nicknames for Maricela?
What names sound and feel like Maricela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maricela also consider these
Common questions about the name Maricela
What does the name Maricela mean?
Maricela means "Combination of María and Marcela" — a name rooted in Mexico 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 Maricela?
Maricela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Maricela?
Maricela originates from Mexico tradition. Mexico 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 Maricela?
Maricela is a four-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R IY0 S EH1 L AH0. 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 Maricela?
Maricela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Mexico heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.