Mariela

female

Origin

The name Mariela originates from Latin-based languages, specifically stemming from 'Maria' with the suffix '-ela' which is a diminutive form. It is a variant of the name Maria, which has biblical significance as the name of the Virgin Mary. While not originally native to Australia, the name has been adopted in multicultural communities within the country, especially among individuals with Latin, European, or Catholic backgrounds.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'Related to Maria' or 'little Maria'. In the Australian context, it often signifies grace, purity, and devotion, reflecting its religious roots.

Pronunciation

/ˌmær.iˈɛl.ə/ (Australian English pronunciation: /ˌmær.iˈɛl.ə/ with stress on the third syllable) , emphasizing clear pronunciation of vowels and soft 'r'.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Mariela (original)
  • Mariella
  • Mariah
  • Mara

Nicknames

  • Mari
  • Ela
  • Lia

Name Days

  • 12 September (Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, recognised by Catholic communities in Australia)
  • 8 September (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
  • 15 August (Assumption of Mary)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with mariela:

  • Anna and Mariela
  • Sophia and Mariela
  • Eleanor and Mariela

Fun Facts

  • Mariela is a relatively modern variant gaining popularity in multicultural Australia.
  • The name has been borne by various Latin American singers and actresses, influencing its recognition in Australia.
  • Mariela can be linked to the Spanish and Italian-speaking communities within Australia.
  • The name frequently appears in Australian multicultural festivals celebrating Latin and European heritage.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name mariela:

  • compassionate
  • graceful
  • devout
  • artistic

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and soft in appearance, with a balanced symmetry that is visually appealing in written form. Its melodic quality makes it suitable for artistic and poetic contexts.

Geographical Distribution

More common in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, particularly within communities of Latin American, Italian, and Spanish descent.

Numerological Significance

Name number: 7, associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical thinking — traits often attributed positively in Australian cultural contexts.

Astrological Connections

The name is linked to Virgo (August 23 – September 22), highlighting characteristics like practicality, attention to detail, and service orientation, aligning with the name’s gentle and conscientious connotations.

Historical Context

Although not historically prominent in traditional Australian history, the name has gained presence through migration and cultural integration, notably among Latin American, Mediterranean, and European communities. It has been adopted in popular culture through artists and fictional characters in Australian media.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well into many languages and scripts, with common variations in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. It maintains phonetic consistency across these languages, facilitating ease of recognition and pronunciation.

Famous People Named mariela

  • Mariela Castro (Cuban politician and activist)
  • Mariela Shaker (Egyptian singer, popular among Arabic-speaking Australians)
  • Mariela Carvalho (Brazilian-Australian academic)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 1
2017 1