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Origin: Portuguese

Meaning: Born when it snows; Of Mary

Neves, a girl's name of Portuguese, Spanish, and Latin origin, means "born when it snows." It is the Portuguese form of Nieves, the plural form of "snow" in Spanish, derived from the title given to the Virgin Mary—Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, or "Our Lady of the Snows." This ancient Catholic title has been cherished since the 4th century and holds significance across various Mediterranean Marian communities. It all began when a wealthy Roman couple prayed for guidance from Maru to build a church in her honor. Legend has it that snow fell on the Esquiline Hill in Rome on Augst 5th, leading to the construction of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Beyond its religious influences, Neves offers a poetic choice for a child born in the winter season, reminding them of their entrance into a magical winter wonderland.