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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mariela

Mariela

♀ Girl

Pronounced mah-ree-EH-lah /ma.riˈe.la/Low

Meaning: Beloved of God; diminutive of MariaLow

In 30 seconds: Mariela is an elegant Spanish diminutive of Maria, meaning beloved or wished-for child of God. With four melodious syllables, it is popular across Latin America and Spain as a romantic, feminine elaboration of the classic Mary.
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Origin LowSpanish, Hebrew
MeaningBeloved of God; diminutive of Maria
U.S. rank (2025)#1232 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births183 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1992
Total births (all-time)≈ 11,658

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199219582025

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

Mariela derives from the Spanish form of Maria, itself from the Hebrew Miriam, meaning beloved or wished-for child. The -ela suffix is an affectionate Latin diminutive. Together they create a name that has been used in Spain and Latin America for several centuries.

Mariela is popular in Argentina, Chile, and across Latin America. In the United States it is common among families with Latin American heritage. Its four-syllable flow and romantic sound make it a beautiful choice for parents who love Maria but want something more distinctive.

Did you know? Mariela combines two of the most popular name elements in the Spanish-speaking world: Maria (from Hebrew Miriam, beloved of God) and the diminutive suffix -ela, together creating a name with extraordinary warmth and tenderness.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Mariela

Variations

MariellaMariaMariselaMaryela

Nicknames

MariElaAri

Famous Bearers

  • ★Mariela Castro (1962–present)
    Cuban LGBT-rights activist and director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education; daughter of Raul Castro

If you like Mariela…

Mariella— Italian form of same name
Gabriela— Four-syllable Spanish -ela name
Daniela— Same -ela suffix and four-syllable elegance
Marisol— Spanish compound with same Maria root

Explore names like Mariela

By themehebrewspanishdiminutivefour-syllablelatin-americanromantic
By meaningLoveGod / Divine

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does Mariela mean?

Mariela means beloved of God or wished-for child, as an affectionate Spanish diminutive of Maria from the Hebrew Miriam.

How do you pronounce Mariela?

Mariela is pronounced mah-ree-EH-lah, with four syllables and stress on the third.

Is Mariela popular in Latin America?

Yes, Mariela is widely used in Argentina, Chile, and across Latin America.

What are nicknames for Mariela?

Common nicknames for Mariela include Mari, Ela, and Ari.

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