Maricela Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: mah-ree-SEH-lah /mɑːɹiˈsɛlə/
Origin: Spanish; Latin
Meaning: Spanish: Little Mary; Latin: Sea of Bitterness
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Maricela has its roots in Spanish, deriving from the combination of the names Maria and Celia. Maria itself is of Hebrew origin, stemming from the name Miriam, which is believed to mean "sea of bitterness," "rebelliousness," or "wished for child." The name Maria was adopted into Greek as Maria and later into Latin as Maria, becoming a widely used name in Christian contexts due to its association with the Virgin Mary.
Celia, on the other hand, has Latin origins, derived from the word "caelum," meaning "heaven" or "sky." The fusion of these two names into Maricela reflects a common practice in Spanish naming traditions, where names are often blended to create new forms with personal or familial significance. Historically, the name Maria has been prominent in various cultures, particularly within Christianity, where it has been borne by numerous saints and biblical figures.
The name Celia also has a rich history, associated with saints and noble figures throughout the Middle Ages. The combination of these names into Maricela likely gained traction in the 20th century as a reflection of cultural identity among Spanish-speaking populations, particularly in regions influenced by Hispanic heritage.
Culturally, Maricela embodies a blend of religious and familial significance, often symbolizing purity and devotion through its connection to Maria, while also evoking a sense of celestial beauty through its link to Celia. This duality may contribute to the name's resonance within families, as it encapsulates both earthly and spiritual qualities.
The diminutive form "Mari" is sometimes used affectionately, highlighting the name's versatility and warmth in personal relationships.
Famous people named Maricela
Maricela is a singer best known for her work in the Latin music genre and her albums such as 'Maricela' and 'La Reina de la Salsa'.
Maricela is a television personality best known for her appearances on reality shows and her role in 'La Casa de los Famosos'.
Maricela is an actress best known for her roles in telenovelas such as 'La Usurpadora' and 'Amor Real'.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Maricela was first seen in the United States in 1944.
Maricela has ranked as high as #698 nationally, which occurred in 1977, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Maricela has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Maricela (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 10 | |
| TX | 7 | |
| AZ | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1944 | 10 |
| 1945 | 12 |
| 1946 | 13 |
| 1947 | 16 |
| 1948 | 15 |
| 1949 | 35 |
| 1950 | 28 |
| 1951 | 34 |
| 1952 | 32 |
| 1953 | 48 |
| 1954 | 44 |
| 1955 | 53 |
| 1956 | 51 |
| 1957 | 49 |
| 1958 | 58 |
| 1959 | 55 |
| 1960 | 90 |
| 1961 | 84 |
| 1962 | 93 |
| 1963 | 126 |
| 1964 | 118 |
| 1965 | 137 |
| 1966 | 122 |
| 1967 | 159 |
| 1968 | 139 |
| 1969 | 183 |
| 1970 | 166 |
| 1971 | 211 |
| 1972 | 232 |
| 1973 | 265 |
| 1974 | 291 |
| 1975 | 291 |
| 1976 | 405 |
| 1977 | 437 |
| 1978 | 425 |
| 1979 | 360 |
| 1980 | 328 |
| 1981 | 278 |
| 1982 | 251 |
| 1983 | 207 |
| 1984 | 220 |
| 1985 | 323 |
| 1986 | 332 |
| 1987 | 313 |
| 1988 | 325 |
| 1989 | 331 |
| 1990 | 399 |
| 1991 | 328 |
| 1992 | 318 |
| 1993 | 246 |
| 1994 | 262 |
| 1995 | 218 |
| 1996 | 249 |
| 1997 | 210 |
| 1998 | 228 |
| 1999 | 222 |
| 2000 | 178 |
| 2001 | 170 |
| 2002 | 160 |
| 2003 | 146 |
| 2004 | 160 |
| 2005 | 142 |
| 2006 | 173 |
| 2007 | 157 |
| 2008 | 125 |
| 2009 | 132 |
| 2010 | 95 |
| 2011 | 90 |
| 2012 | 94 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 75 |
| 2015 | 57 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 60 |
| 2018 | 66 |
| 2019 | 48 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 47 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2024 | 53 |