María de la O

The name "María de la O" is a devotional Spanish name, combining the widely popular name María with the phrase "de la O." The "O" refers to the O Antiphons, which are a series of seven antiphons used in the Roman Catholic liturgy during the last seven days of Advent, from December 17 to December 23. Each antiphon begins with "O" (e.g., O Sapientia, O Adonai, O Radix Jesse) and addresses the coming Messiah with a different title.

Specifically, "María de la O" is associated with the feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Nuestra Señora de la O (Our Lady of the O) or Santa María de la Expectación. This feast, celebrated on December 18, commemorates the Virgin Mary's anticipation of the birth of Jesus. The 'O' in this context symbolizes the longing and expectation for the coming of Christ, as expressed in the O Antiphons. The name became popular in Spanish-speaking countries as a way to honor this aspect of the Virgin Mary.