Maciel is a unique and distinctive given name of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Portuguese surname "Macedo," which is believed to have been brought to Portugal by the Suebi, a Germanic tribe that settled in Spain after being defeated by the Romans.
The name Maciel is thought to be a variant spelling of the Portuguese surname Macedo and may have been used as a given name among families with this lineage. While there is no definitive evidence to support this theory, it is possible that Maciel was adopted as a given name in honor of an ancestor or family member named Macedo.
The meaning of Maciedo, which is the original form of the surname and possibly also of Maciel, is believed to be "son of Macedus," with Macedus being a Roman personal name derived from the Latin word "macedonia," meaning "of Macedonia." However, it is important to note that there is some debate among historians about the true origins and meanings of this name.
Despite its relatively obscure origins, Maciel has gained popularity as a given name in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Maciel was one of the fastest-growing names for boys between 2016 and 2020, with its usage increasing by more than 50% during this period.
Overall, Maciel is a unique and distinctive given name that has gained popularity in recent years. While its origins are somewhat uncertain, it is believed to be of Portuguese descent and derived from the surname Macedo. Despite its relatively obscure beginnings, Maciel has become an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that is both meaningful and unique.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Maciel has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States. The most notable peak in popularity occurred in 1987 with 17 births that year. However, this high was not sustained as there were only 6 births in the following year, 1988.
The name's popularity seemed to fluctuate between the years 1984 and 2006, with a total of 132 recorded births during this period. The highest numbers of births occurred in 1987 (17), followed by 1992 (17) and 1993 (11). After 2002, the number of Maciel births dropped to single digits each year until 2006.
Overall, while Maciel has not been among the most popular names in the U.S., it has maintained a steady, albeit modest, presence since the late 1970s.