The name Maribel has its origins in the Spanish language. It is a combination of the names Maria and Isabel, both of which have roots in the Hebrew language.

Maria is derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, which is believed to have meant "beloved" or "wished-for child". The name Maria has been popular among Christians since the Middle Ages, as it was the name of the mother of Jesus Christ in the New Testament of the Bible.

Isabel, on the other hand, is the Spanish form of the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means "God is my oath". This name was borne by the wife of Aaron, the brother of Moses, in the Old Testament.

The earliest recorded use of the name Maribel dates back to the late 19th century in Spain. It gained popularity in the early 20th century and was especially common among Spanish-speaking communities in Latin America and the United States.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Maribel was Maribel Verd├║ (1908-1986), a Spanish actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions during the mid-20th century.

Another famous Maribel was Maribel Guardia (born 1959), a Mexican actress, singer, and former beauty queen who has had a successful career in television, film, and music for over four decades.

In the literary world, Maribel Romero (1931-2022) was a renowned Mexican author and poet who wrote extensively about themes of social justice, feminism, and indigenous culture.

In the realm of sports, Maribel Cabrera (born 1974) is a retired Spanish tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of No. 16 in the world and won two singles titles on the WTA Tour.

Lastly, Maribel Verdú (born 1970) is a Spanish actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, both in Spain and internationally. She is best known for her roles in films such as "Y tu mamá también" (2001) and "Pan's Labyrinth" (2006).