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Araceli

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-rah-SEL-ee /ˌɑː.rɑːˈsɛl.i/High

Meaning: From the Spanish and Latin Ara Caeli meaning 'altar of the sky' or 'altar of heaven' (ara = altar + caeli = of the sky, of heaven); a Marian title from the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome; popular in Catholic Hispanic traditionHigh

In 30 seconds: Araceli means 'altar of heaven' — a name with extraordinary religious poetry in it. Flowing and melodious across four syllables, it is a beloved name in Latin America with a devotional Catholic heart and a beauty that transcends any single tradition.
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Origin HighLatin, Spanish
MeaningFrom the Spanish and Latin Ara Caeli meaning 'altar of the sky' or 'altar of heaven' (ara = altar + caeli = of the sky, of heaven); a Marian title from the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome; popular in Catholic Hispanic tradition
U.S. rank (2025)#746 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births364 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2002
Total births (all-time)≈ 20,264

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200219392025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Araceli is a Marian title and given name derived from the Latin Ara Caeli, meaning 'altar of heaven.' The Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli (Altar of Heaven) in Rome is one of the oldest Christian churches in the city. The name became popular in Spanish-speaking Catholic countries as a devotional name for the Virgin Mary.

Araceli is widely used across Mexico, Spain, and Latin America. In the United States it has been used consistently in Hispanic communities since the 20th century. Its lyrical four-syllable beauty and profound Catholic meaning make it a name of great spiritual and aesthetic richness.

Did you know? The Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome sits atop the Capitoline Hill where, according to medieval legend, Emperor Augustus received a vision of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child before Christ's birth — the event behind the Ara Coeli (altar of heaven) title. This gives Araceli a connection to one of Rome's most storied hilltop churches.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Araceli — etymology and Catholic heritageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AracelyAracelys

Nicknames

AraCeliAraci

Famous Bearers

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If you like Araceli…

Celestia— shares the heavenly Latin meaning and the same Catholic devotional grandeur
Soledad— fellow Spanish Catholic devotional name with the same spiritual depth and cultural weight
Remedios— parallel Spanish Marian devotional name with the same religious naming tradition
Concepcion— shares the Spanish Catholic Marian title tradition and the same Hispanic devotional heritage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Araceli mean?

Araceli means 'altar of heaven' from the Latin Ara Caeli. It is a Marian title from the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome.

How do you pronounce Araceli?

Araceli is pronounced ah-rah-SEL-ee /ˌɑː.rɑːˈsɛl.i/ — four syllables with stress on the third.

Is Araceli a Catholic name?

Yes, Araceli is a Catholic devotional name derived from a Marian title and associated with a famous basilica in Rome. It is popular in Hispanic Catholic communities.

Where is Araceli most popular?

Araceli is popular across Mexico, Spain, and Latin America, and in Hispanic American communities in the United States.