Portuguese corruption of Cantonese 阿媽港 (aa maa gong) meaning "port of Mazu", from 阿媽 (aa maa) referring to the goddess Mazu and 港 (gong) meaning "port, harbour". According to legend, locals believed that Mazu had blessed the waters around a temple dedicated to her (the A-Ma Temple) and so named the harbour after her. This is the name of a city and special administrative region of China.