Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Marcella
GirlLatin, Italian· “of Mars; from Marcellus”
- Meaning
- of Mars; from Marcellus
- Origin
- Latin, Italian
- Pronunciation
- mar-SEL-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #948
- US babies 2025
- 272
- Best rank
- #155 (1922)
- Peak year
- 1922
Meaning and origin of Marcella
Marcella is a Latin and Italian name that is usually said to mean “of Mars; from Marcellus”.
Marcella is the feminine form of Marcellus, a Roman family name derived from Marcus and ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war. Saint Marcella was a noblewoman of fourth-century Rome who turned her home into a center of learning and devotion. The name has been used in Italy for centuries and has an elegant, slightly vintage feel in English. It shares its charm with names like Isabella and Marianna, but it is less common. Marcy, Ella and Cella are nickname options for everyday use.
Popularity over time
Marcella has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 121 different years. Its best national rank was #155 in 1922, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,537 babies. In 2025, 272 babies were named Marcella, and it ranked #948 nationally. That is 60% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #161 in 1920, #300 in 1950, #531 in 1980, #1,026 in 2000, #1,463 in 2010, and #948 in 2025. Of the 65,614 US girls named Marcella since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 8,080 babies. Since 2010, 3,338 more have been named Marcella.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mable, Lula, Dora, Essie, and Angeline.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marcella ranked highest in Ohio, New Jersey, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | #550 | 19 |
| New Jersey | #600 | 13 |
| Indiana | #636 | 10 |
| Kansas | #649 | 5 |
| Louisiana | #656 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Marcella is usually pronounced mar-SEL-uh, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with M and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Marcella
A few middle names that flow with Marcella: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marcella
Similar names
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Lists that include Marcella
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marcella mean?
Marcella is a Latin and Italian name that is usually said to mean “of Mars; from Marcellus”.
What is the origin of the name Marcella?
Marcella has Latin and Italian roots. Marcella is the feminine form of Marcellus, a Roman family name derived from Marcus and ultimately associated with Mars, the Roman god of war.
Is Marcella a popular name?
Yes. Marcella ranked #948 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Marcella a boy or girl name?
Marcella is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Marcella?
Marcella is usually pronounced mar-SEL-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings