Maribel is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the combination of two popular names in Spain: María and Belén. María is a traditional name that means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness," while Belén comes from the town Bethlehem in Palestine, meaning "house of bread." Therefore, Maribel can be interpreted as "bitter house of bread" or "rebellious house of bread."
The name Maribel has a long history and has been used for centuries in Spain. It was popularized by the Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, who named his daughter Maribel when she was born in 1861. The name gained further popularity through the Spanish novel "Maribel y yo" (Maribel and I), written by Miguel Mihura in 1935.
In recent years, Maribel has become more widely known due to its use in popular culture. For example, Maribel Verdú is a well-known Spanish actress who gained international recognition for her role in the film "Y tu mamá también." Additionally, Maribel is the name of the protagonist in the Mexican telenovela "Maribel," which aired in 1996.
Overall, Maribel is a unique and beautiful name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its Spanish origins give it a warm and inviting sound, while its meaning adds depth and complexity to its interpretation.
The name Maribel has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1906 and 1955, there were fewer than 30 births each year with the name Maribel. However, starting from 1956, the number of babies named Maribel began to rise steadily.
In 1956, there were 29 births with the name Maribel, which more than doubled to 71 in 1959. The trend continued, and by 1968, over 300 girls were named Maribel. The popularity of the name peaked in 1974 when it reached an all-time high of 558 births.
After 1974, the number of babies named Maribel started to decrease gradually. However, it remained relatively popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with around 400-600 births each year.
In the new millennium, the popularity of the name Maribel has continued to decline. Between 2000 and 2023, there were fewer than 250 births with the name Maribel each year, with the exception of a spike in 2022 when it reached 168 births.
Overall, the name Maribel has seen fluctuations in popularity over time. Despite its peak in the mid-70s and early 80s, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.