Urraca is a name of Spanish origin meaning magpie. Its exact etymology is unknown, but a Portuguese database states it may be from pre-Roman times, possibly from Basque. This name holds a lot of history with its most famous bearer being Urraca I, a 12th century queen who ruled over León, Castile, and Galicia.
However, it appears her influence and that of several other Leonese queens was not enough to maintain the name’s popularity. Although a relatively recent royal, Princess Urraca of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1913-1999), rocked it, the name is now effectively extinct in its homeland. A wave of Spanish articles state the last lady who bore the name died in 2015.
Perhaps someone has since named their child Urraca, maybe it still exists abroad, or survives in one of its alternative forms such as Oreca, Urraque, or Hurraqua. If not, the name very well might be worth considering given its long history and your daughter would definitely have the most unique name around.
I think [name_f]Urraca[/name_f] is a very interesting name, thanks for the post and research!
I recall a few years ago there was a NB member from Chile (I think) who said her name was [name_f]Urraca[/name_f]. [name_u]Or[/name_u] perhaps it was just an online alias, I can’t quite recall. It would be interesting if the name is still used today.
What an intriguing name – love the sound, meaning, history! Thanks for the post. [name_u]Love[/name_u] magpies, and U names have a certain mystique.
Some bold editorializing on NB’s part on this name’s page: “Despite its royal roots, [name_f]Urraca[/name_f] is one of the names best left to the history books.” I disagree!