What does Mariposa mean and where does it come from?
Mariposa is a Spanish word meaning 'butterfly.' It is a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries and has gained traction in the United States as a unique and feminine name. The butterfly is often associated with transformation and beauty, making this name appealing for its positive connotations. T
Cultural significance
Mariposa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of butterfly.
Peak popularity
Reached #4040 in 2025 — currently #4040 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mariposa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mariposa?
Mariposa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mariposa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mariposa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mariposa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mariposa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mariposa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mariposa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mariposa right now?
Rising fast — up 809 spots — currently #4040 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4040 | 36 | ▲ up 809 · +29% births |
| 2024 | #4849 | 28 | ▼ down 602 · -18% births |
| 2023 | #4247 | 34 | ▼ down 235 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #4012 | 37 | ▲ up 2570 · +106% births |
| 2021 | #6582 | 18 | ▼ down 691 · -10% births |
| 2020 | #5891 | 20 | ▲ up 5222 · +122% births |
| 2015 | #11113 | 9 | ▼ down 3481 · -44% births |
| 2010 | #7632 | 16 | ▲ up 424 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #8056 | 14 | ▲ up 1409 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #9465 | 10 | ▼ down 474 · +67% births |
| 1975 | #8991 | 6 | — |
The story of Mariposa
Mariposa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 263 total births recorded, Mariposa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8991 in 1975 to #4247 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mariposa in 2025:
Mariposa by decade
Mariposa peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s ★ | 123 | |
| 2010s | 109 | |
| 2020s | 84 | |
💎Mariposa has only 263 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mariposa?
What names sound and feel like Mariposa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mariposa also consider these
Common questions about the name Mariposa
What does the name Mariposa mean?
Mariposa means "Butterfly" — 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 Mariposa?
Mariposa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mariposa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mariposa?
Mariposa 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 Mariposa?
Mariposa is a four-syllable name pronounced mar-ip-OH-suh. 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 Mariposa?
Mariposa 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.