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 experienced a significant rise in popularity over the decades, with consistent growth from the late 1970s to peaking in the early 1980s. Between 1974 and 1986, there were consistently high numbers of births annually, ranging from 232 to 437. However, since then, its popularity has declined steadily, with fewer than 100 births per year occurring in the last five years. Overall, Maricela was given to a total of 12,959 newborns between 1944 and 2023.