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Oi gente!!!! Tudo bem?
In Brazil, middle names are commonly used. My middle name is "Natalia," but do you know where this name comes from?
Actually, "Natalia" is derived from the Latin word "Natalis." It means "birth" or "born," so the name "Natalia" carries the meaning of "a person who was born."
But since everyone is born as a baby, doesn’t that feel a little strange?
In fact, this name is linked to one of the most significant events in Christianity—Christmas. Since Christmas is a religious celebration of Christ’s birth, the meaning "birth" or "born" became associated with it. And because Christmas is celebrated in December, the name is often given to children born in December.
That’s right—my birth month is December! That’s why my name is "Natalia."
By the way, it wasn’t my parents who chose my middle name. It was my Brazilian godparent. Since my parents are Japanese, coming up with a middle name was a bit challenging for them.
In Brazil, many names have religious and cultural backgrounds. However, when we look at the origins of commonly used names in Brazil, we are often surprised by their diversity. Here is a summary of some popular Brazilian names and their origins:
Male Names:
José: This name is common in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries and originates from the Hebrew name "יוֹסֵף" (Yosef). It means "God will add" or "God's help."
João: This name comes from the Portuguese "Joannes," which is derived from the Greek "Ἰωάννης" (Ioannes). It means "God’s grace" or "God’s blessing."
Carlos: Used in both Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions, this name originates from the Germanic "Karl," meaning "free man" or "manly."
Antônio: This name comes from the Latin "Antonius" and carries meanings such as "valuable" or "noble."
Paulo: Derived from the Latin "Paulus," this name means "small" or "humble."
Female Names:
Maria: This name originates from the Virgin Mary in Christianity, making it highly significant among Christians. Its meanings vary and include "sea" and "sorrow."
Ana: Coming from the Hebrew "Hannah," this name means "grace" or "God’s blessing."
Júlia: Derived from the ancient Roman family name "Julius," this name means "youthful" or "full of life."
Cláudia: This name was often given to members of the noble Roman Claudius family, symbolizing nobility and elegance.
Isabel: Originating from the Hebrew "Elisheva," this name means "God's oath."
Brazil is a multicultural country influenced by many religions and traditions. Looking at Brazilian names, we can see how they originate from various languages, making it truly fascinating.
Interestingly, while the names listed above are traditionally popular in Brazil, in recent years, names that were not commonly heard before have become more widespread.
For example, according to the website "Nomes de bebês: os 200 mais usados no 1º semestre de 2023" ("Baby Names: The 200 Most Used in the First Half of 2023"), some names that were uncommon when I was a child have now gained popularity.
For boys, names like Gael (ranked 3rd), Ravi (7th), and Théo (10th) have risen in popularity. For girls, names like Liz (7th), Antonella (9th), and Zoe (87th) have also become more common.
But when we look into the origins of these names, we can see how Brazil’s multicultural and religious background is reflected in them.
Boy Names
Gael: This name originates from Celtic-speaking regions and derives from the Celtic word Gallus, meaning "foreigner" or "stranger." It generally carries a positive meaning, such as "brave foreigner."
Ravi: Ravi comes from Sanskrit and is derived from "रवि" (Ravi), meaning "sun." This name symbolizes brightness, energy, and a hopeful future.
Théo: This name has Greek origins, meaning "supreme god" or "almighty." It conveys strength, leadership, and an optimistic, outgoing nature.
Girl Names
Liz: This name is commonly a shortened form of Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath" or "God’s promise."
Antonella: The feminine form of Antonio, this name comes from the Latin Antonius, meaning "valuable" or "noble."
Zoe: Derived from the Greek Ζωή (Zoe), this name means "life." It carries a positive connotation, symbolizing vitality and hope.
Brazilian names have diverse origins, and discussing name meanings with Brazilian friends can be a great way to spark interesting conversations in Portuguese.
If you want to further improve your Portuguese skills, check out the short video below (57 seconds). Some of our students even ask for a Portuguese name! We choose a name for them, and they have fun using it in our lessons.
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