Araceli
/ah-rah-SEH-lee/
Araceli is a Spanish girl's name pronounced /ah-rah-SEH-lee/. An elegant traditional name meaning 'altar of the sky'.
Meaning of Araceli
An elegant traditional name meaning 'altar of the sky'.
Araceli is a Spanish name derived from the Latin phrase 'Ara Caeli,' which translates literally to 'altar of the sky' or 'altar of heaven.' The name originated as a title for the Virgin Mary, Santa María de Araceli, rooted in a legend involving an altar dedicated by Augustus on Rome's Capitoline Hill.
- Origin
- Spanish
- Pronunciation
- /ah-rah-SEH-lee/
Cultural background
The name is traditionally popular in Spain and Latin America, particularly in regions where the Virgin of Araceli is the patron saint, such as Lucena, Spain. It is primarily used as a feminine given name with a classic, religious connotation.
Variations & nicknames
- Aracely
- Aracelis
- Araseli
- Ara
- Celi
- Cheli
Famous people named Araceli
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Araceli González
Prominent Argentine actress, fashion model, and television host.
Film and Television · 1990s–present
Araceli Segarra
The first Spanish woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Sport · 1990s–present
Aracely Arámbula
Famous Mexican actress and singer known for her roles in popular telenovelas.
Music and Film · 1990s–present
Araceli Gilbert
Ecuadorian artist known for her contribution to abstract and constructivist art.
Art · 20th century
Araceli Ardón
Mexican writer and scholar known for her literary contributions and journalism.
Literature · 1980s–present
Frequently asked about Araceli
- What does Araceli mean?
- Araceli is a Spanish name of Latin origin meaning 'altar of the sky' or 'altar of heaven'.
- How do you pronounce Araceli?
- In Spanish, it is typically pronounced ah-rah-SEH-lee. In Latin American Spanish, the 'c' makes an 's' sound, while in parts of Spain, it may have a soft 'th' sound.
- Is Araceli a boy or girl name?
- Araceli is a feminine given name.
- Is Araceli a common name?
- While it is a traditional and well-recognized name in Spanish-speaking countries, it is considered a classic choice rather than a top-ranking modern trend.
Love Araceli? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Spanish names each week — free, no spam.
Compare Araceli with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
More Spanish names
See all Spanish names- Marisol/MA-ree-sohl/
A beautiful combination of the Spanish words for sea and sun.
- Lourdes/LOOR-dehs/
A traditional name referencing the town and the famous site of spiritual healing.
- Estela/es-TEH-lah/
A bright and classic name that means 'star'.
- Eladio/eh-LAH-dyo/
A lyrical and traditional name referring to someone who hails from the land of Greece.
- Lázaro/LAH-sah-ro/
A sophisticated name that conveys the message that God has helped.
- Damián/dah-MYAHN/
A classic name that conveys the gentle and steady nature of one who subdues or tames.
- Alonso/ah-LON-so/
A noble and distinguished name signifying a person who is eager and ready for battle.
- Fausto/FOWS-toh/
A spirited and positive name that translates to one who is lucky or fortunate.