Marcela

girlLatinChristian

Marcela is a Christian girl name of Latin origin, meaning “Little Marcus; of Mars”.

MeaningLittle Marcus; of Mars
GenderGirl
OriginLatin
Pronunciationmar-SEH-lah
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inMexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina

Meaning and origin of Marcela

Marcela is the Spanish and Portuguese feminine of Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus, which is usually linked to Mars, the Roman god of war. Saint Marcella was a noblewoman of fourth-century Rome who turned her home into a centre of prayer and study and was a friend and correspondent of Saint Jerome. In Don Quixote, the shepherdess Marcela gives a famous speech defending her freedom.

Is Marcela a Christian name?

Marcela honours Saint Marcella of Rome, an early Christian ascetic, though today it is chosen mostly for its classic sound.

How popular is Marcela?

A familiar name across Latin America, steady rather than trendy.

Gifts with the name Marcela

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Spellings and variants of Marcela

MarcellaMarcelleMarcelinaMarcelo

Names similar to Marcela

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Marcela mean?

Marcela means 'Little Marcus; of Mars'. It is of Latin origin.

Is Marcela a Christian name?

Marcela honours Saint Marcella of Rome, an early Christian ascetic, though today it is chosen mostly for its classic sound.

How do you pronounce Marcela?

Marcela is pronounced mar-SEH-lah.

Is Marcela a boy or girl name?

Marcela is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.