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Mariposa

♀ Girl

Pronounced mah-ree-POH-sah /ˌmɑ.riˈpoʊ.sɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Spanish mariposa, 'a butterfly' — a symbol of transformation and beautyHigh

In 30 seconds: A butterfly: Mariposa is Spanish for 'butterfly' — a symbol of transformation. Lyrical, lovely, and warm.

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Origin MediumSpanish

MeaningFrom Spanish mariposa, 'a butterfly' — a symbol of transformation and beauty

U.S. rank (2024)#4830 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births28 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 380

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

Mariposa comes from Spanish mariposa, 'a butterfly' (a symbol of transformation, beauty, and the soul). A lyrical, lovely nature word-name across the Spanish-speaking world (and Mariposa County, California).

In the U.S. it appears in Latino families. Rare, a-butterfly at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Mariposa means 'butterfly' in Spanish — a symbol of beauty and transformation; a lyrical, lovely nature word-name (also a California county).

Overall data confidence 78%

Spanish references — mariposa — etymology

Variations

Mariposita

Nicknames

MariPosa

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mariposa…

Paloma— a fellow Spanish nature word-name

Estrella— the 'star' Spanish name

Azucena— the 'lily' Spanish name

Aurora— another nature-toned name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mariposa mean?

Mariposa is Spanish for 'a butterfly'.

How do you pronounce Mariposa?

It's said mah-ree-POH-sah /ˌmɑ.riˈpoʊ.sɑ/ — four syllables, stress on the third.

Is Mariposa a boy or girl name?

Mariposa is a girl's name.

How popular is Mariposa?

Mariposa is a rare name in the U.S.