Brazil is derived from the Portuguese word "brasil," which means "brazilwood." This hardwood was highly prized by European navigators due to its vibrant red color when burned, resembling that of embers. When Pedro Álvares Cabral first sighted land on the eastern coast of South America in 1500, he named it Terra da Vera Cruz (Land of the True Cross), but the name Brazil eventually stuck and became widely used.
The name Brazil gained popularity among Portuguese explorers who were drawn to the immense quantities of brazilwood found along the shores. This resource played a significant role in the early economy of Brazil as it was exported for use in making high-quality red dye, which was highly sought after in Europe during that time.
The name Brazil is deeply rooted in the country's history and culture, reflecting its historical ties with Portugal and its unique natural resources that have shaped its past. It stands as a testament to the power of naming and how it can encapsulate a country's story within just one word.
The name Brazil experienced varied popularity over the past century with a consistent total of 63 births recorded between 1920 and 2023. The earliest peak occurred in 1920 with five births, followed by another spike in 2005-2006, both periods seeing five babies named Brazil each year. A notable rise in popularity happened in 2008 with nine births, which was not sustained but did see a slight increase again from 2013 to 2014 (seven births each year). More recently, the name has seen six births per year in 2015 and 2017, before increasing slightly to seven births in 2020 and then decreasing back down to six in 2023.