The Meaning of the Name Aparecida
Aparecida is a Portuguese name that means “appeared” or “revealed.” It is derived from the Latin word “aparēre,” which means “to appear.” The name is often given to girls born on the feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida, a popular Catholic celebration in Brazil.
Origin and History
The origin of the name Aparecida dates back to October 12, 1717 when three fishermen found a statue of the Virgin Mary in the Paraíba River near the city of Aparecida, Brazil. According to legend, they were unable to pull in their nets until they threw the statue into their boat. This miraculous event led to the establishment of a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida and made her one of the most beloved saints in Brazil.
Since then, many Brazilian families have chosen to honor Our Lady of Aparecida by giving their daughters the name Aparecida. The name has become increasingly popular over time and is now used throughout Latin America and other parts of the world.
Popularity
Aparecida is not a particularly common name outside of Brazil, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. In 2020, it was ranked as the 545th most popular girl’s name in Brazil. It is also becoming more popular in other countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Mexico.
Famous People Named Aparecida
There are several famous people who bear the name Aparecida, including:
- Aparecida Liberato – Brazilian television presenter and author
- Aparecida Schunck – Brazilian actress
- Aparecida de Oliveira – Brazilian singer and songwriter
Variations of the Name
The name Aparecida can be shortened to Cida or Peci for nicknames. Other variations include:
- Aparêcia (Portuguese)
- Aparicia (Spanish)
- Apparitia (Latin)