Surname Miranda - Meaning and Origin
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iGENEA DNA Test: A Journey of Discovery Through the Miranda Surname
Use my experience as a backdrop, dive into a review of the iGENEA DNA test. Find out how my assumptions about my surname, Miranda, were shattered, and the unexpected connections I made along the way. Delve deep into my ancestry journey, which intertwines personal stories with broader historical contexts and reveals a global family of Miranda's.
K. Miranda
read moreMiranda: What does the surname Miranda mean?
The surname Miranda is of Latin origin and it means "worthy of admiration" or "to be admired". Additionally, it can also mean "viewpoint" or "lookout" in Spanish or Portuguese languages. While not exclusively, it is a common last name in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, possibly derived from a place name or a nickname for someone who lived near a notable lookout point. The name gained popularity through various notable people and fictional characters, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the Broadway smash hit Hamilton, and Miranda Hart, a British comedian and actress. It is also recognized from the character Miranda in Shakespeare's play "The Tempest". Despite different interpretations, the overall consensus is that Miranda signifies something worthy of admiration or respect.
Order DNA origin analysisMiranda: Where does the name Miranda come from?
The surname Miranda originates from several places. The word "Miranda" is derived from the Latin word "mirandus" which translates to "admirable" or "wonderful". In some cases the surname Miranda refers to a group of people from the city of Miranda in northern Spain. But, it is also a common surname in Italy, Portugal, Latin America, Spain, and Cape Verde.
The surname became popular in the Spanish and Portuguese regions because of the Reconquista, a period when Christian states in the Iberian Peninsula fought to reclaim their land from the Muslims.
Today, the surname Miranda is common in many countries with significant Hispanic populations such as Mexico, Cuba, and the Philippines. Additionally, the surname is also found in the United States, largely due to Hispanic immigration. In Italy, especially in the region of Calabria, the surname Miranda is frequently found. Despite being a common surname in various countries, the highest concentration of this surname is in Brazil. Overall, it is a globally distributed surname with a presence in all continents.
Variations of the surname Miranda
The surname Miranda has its roots in Latin, primarily used in Spanish and Portuguese cultures. Its literal translation refers to "someone who lived by a wonderful or remarkable site". Different variants and spellings of it can include Mirandas, De Miranda and Della Miranda.
In some instances, individuals might use Mirenda or Mirand, dropping the 'a' at the end or changing 'a' to 'e'. Mirando could be another variant with an 'o' at the end.
In the Latin American community, hyphenated surnames such as Miranda-Gomez or Miranda-Perez could be found, indicating a dual family heritage. Miranda could also be part of a compound surname like Miranda Blanco or Miranda Castillo.
The surname Miranda can be found globally across different cultures, and local influences might lead to variations and modifications that follow phonetic and language rules specific to each region. However, such versions tend to stick closely to the original surname to maintain lineage and identifiable roots. Given that Miranda is a common first name too, one may sometimes find it as a double-barrelled or hyphenated surname in English-speaking countries.
Famous people with the name Miranda
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Actor, composer, lyricist, and writer best known for creating the Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton.
- Luis Miranda Jr.: Puerto Rican lawyer, political consultant, publicist, and author who served as senior advisor to Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.
- Paulo Miranda: Chilean entrepreneur and investor who developed the Loop Restaurant franchise and was invested in several Chilean companies.
- Doña Inés de Suárez: Spanish noblewoman and conquistador who is credited as the first European woman to have arrived in Chile in 1541.
- Joaquim Miranda: Portuguese general, politician, and revolutionary who led a revolution in Portugal and became its second Prime Minister.
- Paquirri: Spanish bullfighter who was one of the most renowned and respected figures in the world of bullfighting in the 1980s.
- Natalia Miranda: Salvadorian singer, songwriter, and actress best known for singing the theme song for the 2000 TV series Amor de Novela.
- Rick Miranda: American baseball player who is currently a free agent and has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles.
- Jaime Miranda: Spanish lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Justice during the first government of Felipe González.
- Joe Miranda: American bassist and multi-instrumentalist who is best known for his work with the band Active Child.