Alegria is a Spanish girl's name that means "joy" or "happiness." It comes from the Spanish word alegre, which means "cheerful" or "lively." The name Alegria has been used in Spain and Latin America for centuries, but it gained popularity worldwide in recent years.
The earliest known use of the name Alegria is in the 16th century, when it was given to a character in a Spanish play by Lope de Vega. Since then, it has appeared frequently in literature and popular culture throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
One notable figure with the name Alegria is Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs, whose birth name was Ana Lilia Heredia Alegría. She changed her stage name to Lila Downs, but she continues to use the name Alegria as part of her artistic persona.
Today, Alegria remains a popular choice for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. It's a name that celebrates joy and happiness, making it a fitting tribute to new beginnings and the promise of a bright future.
"Alegria experienced a significant increase in popularity from the mid-90s to around 2005, peaking with 14 births that year. However, it has since become less common, with fewer than 10 births per year from 2007 onwards."