The Meaning of the Name América
América is a name with Spanish and Portuguese origins. It is derived from the Latin word “americus”, which means “of the New World”. The name was first used to refer to the continents of North and South America, but has since become a popular given name for both boys and girls.
History of the Name
The name América was first used in 1507 by German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller when he created a map of the world that included the newly discovered continents of North and South America. He named them after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who had explored the area extensively. The name quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually became associated with the entire continent.
In Spanish-speaking countries, América is often used as a female given name. In some cases, it is also used as a nickname for someone whose full name is Maria de los Angeles (Mary of the Angels). In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is more commonly used as a male given name.
Popularity of the Name
América has been steadily gaining popularity as a given name in recent years. In 2019, it was ranked as the 545th most popular female baby name in the United States. It was also ranked as one of the top 100 most popular names in Mexico in 2020.
The popularity of this name can be attributed to its strong association with the Americas and its positive connotations. It is seen as an empowering choice for parents looking to give their child a unique yet meaningful name.
