The name Miranda is derived from the Latin word 'mirandus', meaning 'admirable' or 'worthy of being admired'. It was popularized by Shakespeare, who created the character Miranda for his play 'The Tempest' (1611). In the play, Miranda and her father Prospero are stranded on an island. The name did not become widely used as a given name in English-speaking countries until the 20th century. Additionally, Miranda is the name of one of the moons of Uranus, named after the Shakespearean character.