Marielle

Popular in France in the 60s, Marielle is one of many international variations and diminutives of Mary. While actress and author Mariel Hemingway made us aware of the more abbreviated spelling — which is currently the more popular option in the US — this longer, elegant form saw increased interest in a recent year, when it was chosen for 115 girls.

Derived as it is from Mary, the meaning of Marielle is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

While sleek Mariel was chosen for 240 girls, more than double the amount of Marielles, both were outranked the Italian Mariella in recent US stats.

Pronounced muh-REEL.

As of October 2026, Marielle ranked #1699 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1376 in 1995, Nameberry popularity #884.