Inmaculada is a Spanish feminine given name meaning "immaculate" in Spanish. It is given in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, a dogma of the Catholic Church which holds that Mary was conceived without original sin. The name directly translates the Latin concept of immaculata and is part of a broader tradition across Romance languages of names derived from Marian titles, such as Italian Immacolata, Portuguese Imaculada, and Catalan Immaculada. Etymology and Religious Context The Immaculate Conception, defined as a dogma by Pope Pius IX in 1854, celebrates the belief that Mary was preserved from sin from her very conception. The doctrine is deeply venerated in Spanish-speaking cultures, leading to the adoption of Inmaculada as a given name, especially among Catholics. The name often appears combined with María as María Inmaculada. The same religious sentiment has produced related forms in other languages: Italian Immacolata and the Irish Immaculata are parallel expressions of devotion. In the African English context, Immaculate is also found. Diminutive and Usage The common Spanish diminutive Inma (and in Italian Imma) is frequently used as a familiar form. The abbreviation Inma is still distinctly feminine though shortened from the full religious name. Popularity of such explicitly religious names declined somewhat in the late 20th century, yet Inmaculada continues as a recognizable, if less common, choice in Spain. Notable Bearers Several notable Spanish public figures have been named Inmaculada. Inmaculada Bañuls (born 1963) was a teacher and politician who served in the Valencian parliament. Inmaculada Cruz (1960–2013) represented the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party in Ceuta. Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero (born 1958) has been in the Congress of Deputies. In sports, Inmaculada Concepción Martínez Bernat (born 1972) played tennis, while María Inmaculada Gabarro Romero (born 2002) has been a professional footballer for Real Madrid Femenino. These bearers share first given name – sometimes combined with María – reflecting the deep ties between Spanish identity and Marian devotion. Meaning: "immaculate" Origin: Spanish, from the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Type: Religious first name (Marian title) Usage regions: Spain, but also known in former Spanish colonies