The origin of the female given name Miranda is rooted in classical mythology from Roman literature. It was first used by playwright William Shakespeare in his play "The Tempest," written around 1610-1611. In the play, Miranda is the daughter of the sorcerer Prospero and is discovered by Ferdinand, the prince of Naples, whom she eventually marries.
The name Miranda comes from the Latin word "mirabilis," meaning wonderful or admirable. Prior to Shakespeare's use, it was not a common given name in Europe but has since become more popular due to the play's influence.
Learn more about the origin of the name Miranda
The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Miranda
The name Miranda originates from Latin, derived from the word "mirari" which means "to wonder at" or "to be amazed." It is often associated with William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," where Miranda is a character, the daughter of the sorcerer Prospero. The name was not popular in Europe until the 16th century when the play was published, and it gained prominence in English-speaking countries after that time. Miranda has been a common name in many parts of the world due to its pleasant sound and meaning, conveying a sense of wonder and mystery. It is often given to girls born during times of change or discovery, reflecting the spirit of exploration and curiosity embodied by the character from Shakespeare's play.
Character traits associated with the name Miranda
Miranda is often associated with characteristics that signify strength, independence, and intelligence. The name, derived from the Spanish 'mirar' meaning 'to look at', suggests an individual who is observant and discerning. Mirandas are typically independent thinkers, with a strong sense of self-reliance. They possess a deep emotional intensity, often revealed in their passionate responses to life's challenges. Mirandas have the ability to adapt to various situations, making them versatile and resilient. However, they can also be perceived as being reserved or stubborn due to their strong convictions and independent nature. Overall, Miranda is a name that embodies intelligence, independence, and emotional depth.
Popularity of the name Miranda
Miranda is a popular given name among English speakers, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It has been consistently ranked among the top female names in both countries for several decades. The name gained significant popularity after Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," where Miranda is the daughter of Prospero. The name Miranda means "wonderful" or "admirable" in Latin, which may contribute to its appeal. In the United States, it peaked in popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s but remains a popular choice today, ranking among the top 500 names for girls born in 2020. In the UK, Miranda has been a consistently popular name since the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1960s and 1970s but still holding a place in the top 300 names for girls born in 2020.
Famous people with the name Miranda
Miranda is a name that has been associated with several prominent figures across various fields. In literature, Miranda is best known as the protagonist in William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," where she is the daughter of the sorcerer Prospero. In popular culture, Miranda Cosgrove gained fame for her role as Carly Shay on the Nickelodeon television series "iCarly." Additionally, Miranda Kerr, an Australian model and businesswoman, was a Victoria's Secret Angel and is known for co-founding KORA Organics, an organic skincare brand. Furthermore, Miranda Lambert, an American country music singer, has received numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and CMA Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. Lastly, in science, Miranda Hughes is a Canadian astrophysicist recognized for her research on black holes. These individuals demonstrate the versatility and impact of the name Miranda across various disciplines.
Variations of the name Miranda
The name Miranda has several variants in various languages and cultures. In Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Catalan, the name is spelled identically to its English form. However, there are also alternative spellings and pronunciations in different contexts. For example, Miriena or Mirjana are Slavic variations of the name. Mireille is a French variant, while Myrinda is a more ancient form derived from Greek mythology. In Hebrew, it's spelled מירנדה (Miranda) but can also be translated as עמרה (Amra), though this name has different origins and meanings. Additionally, there are regional dialects or nicknames like Mira, Miri, Randy, Randi, or Mindy derived from Miranda. These variations reflect the global popularity and adaptability of the name throughout history and across cultures.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated :
Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends
The first name "Mir" has origins in several different cultures and languages. Here are a few possible origins:
1. Slavic origin: In Slavic languages, "Mir" means "peace" or "world...
The first name Mir Aijaz Ali is of Arabic origin. "Mir" is a title used in various languages of the Indian subcontinent, meaning prince or leader. "Aijaz" is of Persian and Arabic ...
The first name "Mir Arjun Kumar" has origins in India. "Mir" is a common name in South Asian countries, while "Arjun" is a Sanskrit name derived from Hindu mythology. "Kumar" is a ...
The name Mir Mohamand has origins in the Pashto language, predominantly used in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "Mir" is a title of respect in the Pashto culture, while "Mohamand" is lik...
The first name "Mir Moizullah" has origins in the Arabic language. "Mir" means leader or noble, while "Moizullah" can be translated to mean "the pride of God."
The name Mir Shiva has Persian origins. "Mir" means prince or leader, while "Shiva" is a Hindu god associated with destruction and transformation. It is a unique and culturally sig...
The origin of the first name Mira Kola is believed to be a combination of two separate names, "Mira" and "Kola." Mira is a Slavic name meaning "peace" or "wonderful," while Kola is...
The name "Mira" is of Slavic origin and means "wonderful" or "peace" in several Slavic languages. "Saha" is of Indian origin and means "with or together" in Sanskrit.
The first name "Miracle" is of English origin. It is derived from the Latin word "miraculum," meaning "wonder" or "miracle." The name "Man" is a common English surname and can also...
The name Miradije is of Albanian origin. It is a feminine name that is derived from the word "mirë" meaning "good" and "dije" meaning "knowledge." The name is believed to convey t...
The origin of the first name "Miradine" is not clear, as it does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English. It does not seem to be a common name with a well-documente...
The origin of the first name "Mirai" is Japanese. In the Japanese language, "Mirai" (未来) means "future." It is a unisex name and can be given to both boys and girls.
