Iracema is a unique and captivating female given name of Brazilian origin. Derived from the Tupi-Guarani language, it translates to "flower" or "flourishing flower." This beautiful and meaningful name has been popularized by the famous novel "Iracema," written by José de Alencar in 1865.
In the novel, Iracema is a young, brave, and noble indigenous woman who falls in love with a Portuguese explorer. The story is set against the backdrop of the Brazilian landscape, showcasing its natural beauty and rich culture. Although the novel has been criticized for romanticizing colonialism, it has nonetheless contributed to the spread and popularity of the name Iracema.
Iracema was not traditionally used as a given name before Alencar's novel. However, after its publication, the name gained prominence among Brazilian families looking for distinctive and meaningful names for their daughters. Today, Iracema is still considered a beautiful and unique choice, often favored by parents seeking to honor Brazil's indigenous heritage or simply drawn to its floral meaning.
In summary, Iracema is a captivating female given name of Brazilian origin that translates to "flower." Its popularity can be attributed to the 19th-century novel bearing the same title. Parents who choose this name often wish to pay tribute to Brazil's indigenous roots or simply appreciate its poetic and meaningful significance.
The name Iracema has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as evidenced by the available statistics on its annual births from 1971 to 2004.
In the early years, the name gained some traction with five babies being named Iracema each year in both 1971 and 1974. This consistent usage may indicate that the name was beginning to gain popularity among parents during this time.
The name's popularity peaked in 1982 when it reached its highest point, with ten births recorded that year. This suggests that there might have been a particular event or influence that attracted parents to choose the name Iracema for their daughters during this period.
However, after this peak, the usage of the name began to decline. In 1984 and again in 2004, only five babies were named Iracema each year. This decline may indicate a shift in parental preferences or simply a reflection of changing trends in naming practices over time.
Overall, from 1971 to 2004, there were a total of 61 births registered with the name Iracema in the United States. While this number might seem modest compared to more popular names, it still represents a notable presence of the name among American families during this period.