Inmaculada

Immaculate; without a stain.

Inmaculada is a Spanish feminine name meaning “immaculate” or “without a stain”, with Latin roots. It takes an adjective into the world of given names through the Catholic title of Mary, La Inmaculada. The reference is to the belief that Mary herself was free of original sin from her conception. This gives the name a specific religious meaning beyond a general image of purity. Its five Spanish syllables build towards the stressed la, giving the full name a measured, almost ceremonial elegance. Inma, an established short form, brings that long sweep down to a compact, familiar sound. One spelling detail is easy to miss: Spanish Inmaculada has n before m, while the Catalan form Immaculada has a double m.

Etymology: From Spanish inmaculada, the feminine of inmaculado, ultimately from Latin immaculatus. Its elements express “not” and “stain”.