Mafalda
/mah-FAL-dah/
Mafalda is a Portuguese (Germanic roots) girl's name pronounced /mah-FAL-dah/. A historic name of Portuguese queens meaning a strong and mighty fighter.
Meaning of Mafalda
A historic name of Portuguese queens meaning a strong and mighty fighter.
Mafalda is the Portuguese form of the Germanic name Mahthildis, composed of the elements 'maht' meaning strength or might and 'hild' meaning battle. It entered the Portuguese lexicon through the Burgundian dynasty and became a staple of royal nomenclature.
- Origin
- Portuguese (Germanic roots)
- Pronunciation
- /mah-FAL-dah/
Cultural background
While historically associated with Portuguese royalty, the name is also widely recognized in Spanish-speaking cultures due to Quino's famous comic strip character.
Variations & nicknames
- Matilda
- Mathilde
- Matilde
- Maffy
- Maddie
Famous people named Mafalda
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Mafalda of Savoy
The first Queen consort of Portugal and wife of King Afonso Henriques.
Politics · 12th century
Mafalda
The iconic, philosophizing six-year-old protagonist of the eponymous Argentine comic strip.
Literature · 1964-1973
Princess Mafalda of Savoy
Italian princess who died in the Buchenwald concentration camp.
Politics · 1902-1944
Mafalda Arnauth
Renowned Portuguese fado singer.
Music · 1990s-present
Mafalda Veiga
Prominent Portuguese singer-songwriter.
Music · 1980s-present
Mafalda Hopkirk
A Ministry of Magic official in the Harry Potter book series.
Literature · 1990s
Frequently asked about Mafalda
- What does Mafalda mean?
- Mafalda is a name of Germanic origin meaning 'mighty in battle' or 'strong fighter'.
- How do you pronounce Mafalda?
- It is typically pronounced 'mah-FAL-dah' in English and 'mu-FAL-du' in European Portuguese.
- Is Mafalda a boy or girl name?
- Mafalda is strictly a feminine given name.
- Is the name Mafalda common?
- It is a traditional name in Portugal and Italy, and holds high cultural recognition in Latin America due to the famous comic character.
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