Graça is a Portuguese feminine given name meaning "grace." It is a direct cognate of the English name Grace, both ultimately deriving from the Latin word gratia (favor, thanks). While the English name Grace was adopted as a virtue name by 17th-century Puritans, the Portuguese Graça is closely associated with Roman Catholic devotion, especially pertaining to the Virgin Mary as Nossa Senhora da Graça (Our Lady of Grace). Etymology The name traces back to Latin gratia, meaning "grace" or "favor." In Portuguese, graça became a common word used in religious contexts, and the personal name Graça reflects this deep spiritual meaning. It shares its origin with several related names in other languages, such as Italian Grazia and Polish Gracja. Cultural Significance Graça is a traditional name in Portugal and Brazil, given in honor of divine grace. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is also borne by notable figures, including Graça Machel, a Mozambican politician and humanitarian, and Graça Aranha, a Brazilian writer and diplomat. The name also appears as a place name: Graça is a municipality in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Related Forms Variants of Graça include Gracinda and Gracília, which add the common Portuguese suffixes -inda and -ília. Across other languages, the name appears as Dutch Gratia, English Grace and Gracie, Italian Grazia and Graziella, and Polish Gracja. Meaning: Grace Origin: Portuguese, from Latin gratia Type: Feminine given name Usage Region: Portugal, Brazil, Portuguese-speaking countries