Iracema
Iracema Origin and Meaning
Popular in Brazil in the early half of the 20th century, Iracema derives from the Indigenous Tupi–Guarani language, and likely gained attention due to its use in the classic 1865 novel by José de Alencar. Iracema is the titular character of the novel that explores the relationship between an indigenous woman and a Portuguese colonist.
Iracema (the novel) has been adapted several times into film, notably in 1917 and 1949, which led to an increase in its use in Brazil. While it dropped out of the Top 1000 back in the 90s, it could still be considered a familiar name.
Combining the Tupi words yra and tembe, it means "honey lips", making this a sweet name with a solid presence. It is possible that when the writer Alencar coined it, he intended it to have a double meaning, given that it is an anagram of America.
Two interesting bits of trivia: the Brazilian actress who made her film debut in the 1917 adaption of the novel, was called Iracema de Alencar (no relation of the author), and the name of the fictional son of Iracema, Moacir, has also become a familiar name in Brazil.
Musician and fashion designer Iracema Trevisan is a notable bearer.