Marcella is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "marcellus," which means "dedicated to Mars." Mars was the Roman god of war, and thus, the name Marcella is often associated with strength and courage.
The name Marcella has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Saint Marcella, a Christian virgin and martyr who lived during the fourth century. She was known for her piety and her refusal to renounce her faith even under threat of torture. Her courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity have made her an important figure in Christian history.
In Italy, the name Marcella has been popular for centuries. It was particularly common during the Renaissance period, when many artists and writers used it as a given name for their female characters. Today, Marcella remains a popular choice among Italian parents, and it is also used in other countries around the world.
Overall, Marcella is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and a powerful meaning. Its association with courage and dedication makes it an appealing choice for parents who wish to give their daughter a name that reflects these qualities.
The name Marcella experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the course of a century and a half. Starting with just 14 births in 1880, it peaked in the late 1920s and early 1930s, reaching a high of 1537 births in 1922. However, by the mid-20th century, its popularity began to decline steadily, dropping from 694 births in 1954 to just 160 births in 2014. There was a slight resurgence between 2016 and 2023, with totals ranging from 196 to 226 births per year. Overall, Marcella has been used as a baby girl's name over 65,000 times in the United States since 1880.