What does Marisela mean and where does it come from?
Marisela is a composite name that combines the traditional name María, derived from Hebrew (מִרְיָם), meaning “beloved” or “sea of bitterness,” and the Latin word for 'laurel', symbolizing victory and honor. Common in Spanish-speaking cultures, this name often carries connotations of beauty and succ
Cultural significance
Marisela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of combination of maría and laurel.
Peak popularity
Reached #494 in 1985 — currently #1396 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Marisela?
Marisela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marisela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marisela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marisela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marisela Claire
French influence · crisp
Marisela Jane
Literary · strong
Marisela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marisela right now?
Holding steady — currently #1396 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1396 | 804 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1401 | 784 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1406 | 754 | ▲ up 2667 · +2118% births |
| 2020 | #4073 | 34 | ▼ down 1219 · -44% births |
| 2015 | #2854 | 61 | ▼ down 400 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #2454 | 76 | ▼ down 886 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #1568 | 130 | ▼ down 445 · -29% births |
| 2000 | #1123 | 182 | ▼ down 174 · -9% births |
| 1995 | #949 | 199 | ▼ down 335 · -46% births |
| 1990 | #614 | 366 | ▼ down 120 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #494 | 410 | ▲ up 218 · +74% births |
| 1980 | #712 | 236 | ▲ up 28 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #740 | 196 | ▲ up 149 · +31% births |
| 1970 | #889 | 150 | ▲ up 295 · +81% births |
| 1965 | #1184 | 83 | — |
The story of Marisela
Marisela entered American naming records in 1945 and has been in use for over 79 years. A total of 10,159 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2741 in 1945 to #1396 in 2023. Marisela is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marisela in 1985:
Marisela by decade
Marisela peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 48 | |
| 1950s | 289 | |
| 1960s | 766 | |
| 1970s | 2,097 | |
| 1980s ★ | 2,648 | |
| 1990s | 2,440 | |
| 2000s | 1,321 | |
| 2010s | 516 | |
| 2020s | 34 | |
What are good nicknames for Marisela?
Famous people named Marisela
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Marisela (Spanish royal)
Marisela held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Marisela (Latin American historical figure)
Marisela used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
M(
Marisela (Spanish royal)
Marisela held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
M(
Marisela (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Marisela bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marisela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marisela also consider these
How is Marisela written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Marisela
What does the name Marisela mean?
Marisela means "Combination of María and laurel" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Marisela?
Marisela 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 Marisela?
Marisela originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Marisela?
Marisela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Marisela a common or rare name?
Marisela is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.