Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Mariela
GirlSpanish, Hebrew· “diminutive of Maria”
- Meaning
- diminutive of Maria
- Origin
- Spanish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- mah-ree-EH-luh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,232
- US babies 2025
- 183
- Best rank
- #471 (1992)
- Peak year
- 1992
Meaning and origin of Mariela
Mariela is a Spanish and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “diminutive of Maria”.
Mariela is a Spanish diminutive of María, the Spanish form of Mary, which traces back to the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is debated. It is used across Spanish-speaking countries and in Hispanic families in the United States. Mariela has a flowing, four-syllable sound with a gentle, romantic feel. It honors the Virgin Mary while offering a softer, more personal variation. Mari and Ela are easy nicknames, and the name pairs well with many surnames.
Popularity over time
Mariela first appears in US Social Security records in 1958. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #471 in 1992, the same year it reached its highest count of 524 babies. In 2025, 183 babies were named Mariela, and it ranked #1,232 nationally. That is 30% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,200 in 1980, #746 in 2000, #1,073 in 2010, and #1,232 in 2025. Of the 11,660 US girls named Mariela since records began, 32% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 3,558 babies. Since 2010, 2,625 more have been named Mariela.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tess, Breanne, Moriah, Shelbi, and Susana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mariela ranked highest in Texas, Virginia, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #736 | 41 |
| Virginia | #814 | 9 |
| Massachusetts | #849 | 6 |
| Florida | #987 | 16 |
| Colorado | #1003 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mariela is usually pronounced mah-ree-EH-luh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Mariela
A few middle names that flow with Mariela: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mariela
Similar names
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duh-LEE-luh
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Lists that include Mariela
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mariela mean?
Mariela is a Spanish and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “diminutive of Maria”.
What is the origin of the name Mariela?
Mariela has Spanish and Hebrew roots. Mariela is a Spanish diminutive of María, the Spanish form of Mary, which traces back to the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is debated.
Is Mariela a popular name?
Not especially. Mariela ranked #1,232 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Mariela a boy or girl name?
Mariela is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mariela?
Mariela is usually pronounced mah-ree-EH-luh. 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