Encarna / Encarnación

Encarna is a short form of the Spanish Marian title 'María de la Encarnación', meaning 'Mary of the Incarnation'. The name refers to the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, which is the belief that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply religious name, popular in Catholic countries, particularly Spain and parts of Latin America.

Over time, the longer Marian title was often shortened for everyday use, leading to the emergence of Encarna as a standalone given name. While its religious roots are central to its meaning, its usage has become more secularized, though still retaining a traditional and somewhat formal feel.