Dulce is a feminine given name derived from the Spanish word dulce, meaning "sweet" or "candy." It is the Spanish form of Dulcie and is used predominantly in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Historical and Royal Use Historically, the name was borne by several medieval Iberian royals. Dulce of Aragon (1160–1198) was the wife of King Sancho I of Portugal, and Dulce of León (1194/5–1248) was briefly suo jure Queen of León. These figures helped establish the name in noble lineages. Modern Popularity and Variants Dulce has been ranked among the top 1,000 names for newborn girls in the United States since 1990. The variant Dolce Maria has been among the top 100 names for girls in Mexico since 2020, reflecting the compound-name tradition. Dulce also functions as a short form for Dolce María and appears as Dulcinea (a related literary form from Spanish dulce) in contexts honoring Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. Notable Bearers Contemporary bearers include Dulce Beatriz (1931–2021), a Cuban-born painter; Dulce Chacón (1954–2003), a Spanish poet and novelist; Dulce Figueiredo (1923–2011), wife of Brazilian President João Figueiredo; and Dulce Garćia, a Mexican professional wrestler known under the ring name Sexy Star. In entertainment, Dulce María (Mexican singer and actress) has further popularized the name. Cultural Significance In Spanish and Portuguese cultures, the name evokes gentleness, affection, and the term of endearment "dulce." Its use in religious contexts, such as Dulci for "sweet" in Latin, underscores its positive connotations. Key Facts Meaning: "sweet" or "candy" (Spanish) Origin: Spanish and Portuguese Type: Feminine given name Usage: Predominantly in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries Related: Dulcie, Dulcinea, Dulci