Mariposa
Meaning of Mariposa
Mariposa (Spanish: mah-ree-POH-sah, /ma.ɾi.ˈpo.sa/) is a feminine name drawn directly from the Spanish word for “butterfly,” evoking notions of metamorphosis, lightness, and fleeting beauty. Analytically, its uncomplicated morphology—mari- “butter” and posa “to place” in folk etymology—belies a poetic resonance that has long intrigued writers from Andalusian ballads to modern baby-name lists. In the United States Mariposa remains rare (ranked 922nd in 2024, with a high of 907th in 2022), a choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet resonant sonority. In Persian literary tradition, the butterfly often symbolizes the soul’s yearning for the divine—an image subtly mirrored in Mariposa’s blend of grace and transformation—while its dry elegance hints at a discreet confidence rather than overt flamboyance. Whether celebrated for its vivid natural association or its cross-cultural lyricism, Mariposa offers both a clear semantic meaning and a quiet depth that unfolds much like the wings of its namesake.
Pronunciation
Spanish
- Pronunced as mah-ree-POH-sah (/ma.ɾi.ˈpo.sa/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
