Madeira is a unique and captivating female given name of Portuguese origin. The name Madeira literally translates to "timber" or "wooden board," which is fitting considering that it shares its name with the Portuguese archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The archipelago of Madeira was discovered by Portuguese explorers in the early 15th century and named after its dense forests of laurel trees. The name Madeira has been passed down through generations of Portuguese families, often given to daughters as a tribute to their ancestral heritage or to honor the island's rich history.
While there is no specific historical figure associated with the name Madeira, it has been popular among Portuguese royalty and nobility throughout the centuries. Some notable bearers of the name include Dona Maria da Glória de Bourbon, Princess of the Two Sicilies (1871-1947), who was born in Madeira Island itself, and Dona Maria Amélia de Orleans e Bragança (1831-1853), another Portuguese princess who bore the name Madeira.
Today, Madeira remains a popular choice among parents looking for distinctive yet meaningful names for their daughters. Its origins and history make it an appealing option for those interested in Portuguese culture or simply seeking an uncommon yet memorable name with a strong meaning behind it.
Statistics on the given name Madeira in the United States show some fluctuations over time. In 1999, there were 5 babies born with this name. The number of births remained steady at 5 in 2003, but it increased to 7 in 2005 and reached a peak of 10 births in 2006. Over these four years, from 1999 to 2006, there were a total of 27 babies named Madeira born in the United States.