Marcela
dedicated to Mars / young warrior (Latin)
Marcela is a spanish / other girl name in the Philippines. In the civil registry as of May 2021 it is number 467, with 16,840 records. It has 3 syllables.
Origin and meaning
dedicated to Mars / young warrior (Latin)
Marcela entered the Philippines through the Spanish colonial period and Catholic hagiography (such as Saint Marcella of Rome). In the Philippines, it carries deep national resonance due to historical figures from the late 19th-century revolutionary era. While predominantly seen as a traditional or generational name today, it remains well recognized throughout the country.
Marcela is the feminine form of Marcelo, derived from the Roman family name Marcellus, a diminutive of Marcus, which relates to Mars, the Roman god of war. It was integrated into Philippine naming conventions via Spanish colonial administration and Catholic traditions.
Name character
In the Philippines
Commonly shortened to Marcy, Marce, Cela, or Cel in casual Filipino conversation. It is historically prominent, especially through elementary education about the making of the Philippine national flag.
Related forms
- Marcela Spanish
- Marcela Portuguese
- Marcella Italian
- Marcella English
- Marcelle French
Would your family give Marcela?
Mark it if your family would give this first name. The count is for 2026 on this site. It is not the civil registry, and it is not babies registered in 2024. One browser can choose a name once in the year.
No family on this site has marked Marcela for 2026 yet.
Marcela with common surname pairs
Each pair is a mother's maiden surname plus a father's surname. The number is the sound-fit score for this first name.
Related girl names
About the name Marcela
How do I use Marcela with two Filipino surnames?
Marcela is the given name. The full name is Marcela + mother's maiden surname + father's surname. Score a pair from a combination page or the homepage search.
Is Marcela a common girl name in the Philippines?
In the civil registry as of May 2021, Marcela is number 467, with 16,840 records. That is not the 2024 birth list, and it does not say the name is a better choice. How it sounds with both family surnames is a separate score.