Maricela is a unique and beautiful name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish words "María" meaning "sea" or "rebellious," and "Cela," which means "bright" or "shining." Therefore, Maricela can be interpreted as "bright sea" or "shining rebellion."
The name Maricela is believed to have originated in Spain during the Middle Ages. It was not particularly common at first but gained popularity over time due to its musical sound and its combination of two strong Spanish names. The use of Maricela spread beyond Spain, becoming popular in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Maricela. For instance, Maricela Velasco is a renowned Mexican actress who gained fame for her roles in various soap operas and films. Additionally, Maricela Perea is a distinguished Mexican scientist known for her contributions to the field of biology.
In literature, the name Maricela appears in Gabriel García Márquez's novel "Love in the Time of Cholera," where it belongs to one of the main characters. This further popularized the name and contributed to its enduring appeal.
Today, Maricela continues to be a beloved name among Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Its unique origin and beautiful meaning make it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a special name for their daughter. Despite being less common than some other Spanish names, Maricela remains an elegant and memorable option with a rich history behind it.
The name Maricela has been given to babies of both genders since 1944 in the United States. Over time, the popularity of this name has fluctuated significantly. Between 1944 and 1960, fewer than 100 babies were named Maricela each year on average.
However, starting in 1963, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Maricela annually. This trend continued until it peaked in 1976 with 405 births that year. From this point onwards, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily once again.
Between 1980 and 2003, there were fewer than 300 babies named Maricela each year on average. This trend continued until it reached its lowest point in recent years with only 47 births in 2021.
Overall, from 1944 to 2023, a total of 12,959 babies were named Maricela in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, this name remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for something unique and memorable for their child.