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Arelys

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-reh-LEES /ɑ.rɛˈlis/High

Meaning: Modern coinage from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, a variant of Arelis, of uncertain formation — possibly influenced by names like Aracelis, 'altar of the sky'Low

In 30 seconds: A lilting name from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, where Arelis and Arelys have charmed parents for decades. Its exact origin is a puzzle — likely a remix of Aracelis, 'altar of the sky'.

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Origin MediumSpanish, American

MeaningModern coinage from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, a variant of Arelis, of uncertain formation — possibly influenced by names like Aracelis, 'altar of the sky'

U.S. rank (2025)#4891 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births27 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 542

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Arelys is a variant of Arelis, a name that took root in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the mid-twentieth century. Its formation is uncertain: the strongest candidate is a clipped, remixed Aracelis — from Latin ara caeli, 'altar of the sky' — though blends of Ana, Aurelia, and the -lis ending have all been proposed.

The name traveled to the U.S. mainland with Puerto Rican and Dominican families and shows up steadily but rarely in American records, with Arelis, Arelys, and Areliz trading places. It remains a distinctive Caribbean signature.

Did you know? Aracelis, the likely inspiration behind Arelys, descends from Latin ara caeli — 'altar of the sky' — the name of a famous basilica atop Rome's Capitoline Hill.

Overall data confidence 65%

Behind the Name — Araceli — likely source name

Variations

ArelisArelizAralis

Nicknames

AreLys

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Arelys…

Aracely— the 'altar of the sky' name likely behind Arelys

Anais— shares the French-Caribbean vowel elegance

Maribel— another compact Hispanic favorite of the same era

Anyla— a fellow American choice

Avaya— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Arelys

By thememodern hispanic caribbean

By meaningSky / Heaven

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Arelys mean?

Arelys is a modern Caribbean Spanish name of uncertain origin, most often linked to Aracelis, from Latin for 'altar of the sky'.

How do you pronounce Arelys?

It's said ah-reh-LEES /ɑ.rɛˈlis/ — three syllables, stress on the last.

Is Arelys a boy or girl name?

Arelys is a girl's name.

How popular is Arelys?

Arelys is a rare name in the U.S., most familiar in Puerto Rican and Dominican communities.