EntertainmentPuerto Rican1927 – 1987

Myrta Silva

Singer and actress, 'La Calandria de América'

Biography

Myrta Silva (1927-1987) was a renowned Puerto Rican singer and actress known professionally as 'La Calandria de América' (The Lark of America), earning the nickname for her distinctive voice and artistry. Born in Puerto Rico, she became one of the most celebrated performers in Spanish-language music and entertainment during the mid-twentieth century. Silva gained fame across Latin America and in Spanish-speaking communities in the United States through her recordings, radio performances, and theatrical work. Her career spanned several decades, during which she became known for her interpretations of popular Latin music, boleros, and traditional Puerto Rican music. Her influence extended beyond music into film and theater, where she also performed. Myrta Silva represented the golden age of Latin American entertainment and remains an iconic figure in Puerto Rican cultural history. Her legacy continues to influence performers and is remembered fondly in Latin American popular culture as a pioneering female artist who achieved international recognition.

The Name Myrta

Myrta is a Spanish name with roots in Mediterranean and Latin cultures. Myrta Silva's international success helped popularize the name throughout the Spanish-speaking world, where it carries associations with artistry and cultural achievement.

Quick Facts

Myrta

Latin origin

“A direct Spanish or Italian diminutive form of Mirta/Myrtle, created with the -a suffix common in Romance languages, emphasizing Mediterranean elegance and botanical simplicity. The name feels warm and approachable while maintaining classical charm, popular in Southern European and Latino communities. It carries the myrtle's symbolism of love and virtue in a compact, melodic form.”