In Spanish, the word bajamar means “shallow water” or “low tide.” The Bahamas, a former British colony and the believed landing place of Christopher Columbus, consists of a conglomeration of small Caribbean islands and is known for its shallow, tropical waters. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the origin stories of these countries through their names. Dominican Republic – Saint Dominic’s Island.Unsurprisingly, many Caribbean countries get their literal meanings from the gorgeous sea and lush tropics all around them. Actual Meanings of Caribbean Country Names The Dutch finally landed on the name Suriname in recognition of the Surinen people. Ironically, the country actually possessed an array of different names as it passed through the hands of the Spanish, English, and Dutch. The Surinen were a group of indigenous people that inhabited the region before Europeans colonized the area. Language of Origin: Dutch, mixed with the indigenous name for the Surinen people The most influential product of nature was the Paraguay River, which is where the country’s name is believed to come from. In Paraguay, the Guaraní people relied heavily on natural resources to survive. Like many other Latin American countries, the origin of the name is believed to come from an indigenous language spoken by the native inhabitants of the region. Language of Origin: An indigenous dialect However, the name does not refer to stewed beans at all, but rather translates to “where the land ends” or “the deepest point of Earth.” Paraguay, Home of People Born Along the River Language of Origin: Mapuche, or another indigenous dialectĪlong with the popular mispronunciation of the country’s name, Chile is believed to actually originate from the Mapuche word chili, spelled just like the beloved dish. The tree was named pau-brasil by Portuguese explorers, pau meaning stick and brazil spawning from the word brasa, meaning ember. Brazil, The Land of Red Dyewoodīrazil was believed to be named after a deep-red colored tree called a Brazilwood. What do these names tell us about these South American Countries? Dig deeper into these countries by understanding some of their origin stories. Argentina – Land Beside the Silvery River.If you have visited these South American countries, do you recognize why these would be their translations? Literal Meanings of the Names of South American Countries The name particularly originates from Mexico City, or the Valley of Mexico, where the great Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was once situated. Nahuatl is the native language of the Aztecs, one of the many indigenous peoples that lived in Mexico during Spain’s conquest of the Americas around the 15th and 16th centuries. Since there is such a large Mayan presence in Guatemala, with half of the country’s current population coming from Mayan communities, it is believed the name originated from a traditional Mayan phrase meaning “land of many trees.” Mexico, In the Navel of the Moon With more than 20 indigenous languages rooted in its culture, Guatemala’s name is believed to come from one of the native civilizations that situated itself in the land hundreds of years ago. Language of Origin: Maya-Toltec, Nahuatl, or another indigenous dialect ![]() Due to the amount of bountiful natural resources found in the country, Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity inspired the country’s name and quite literally translates from Spanish to mean “Rich Coast.” Guatemala, The Land of Many Trees Costa Rica, The Rich CoastĬosta Rica was once one of the many countries conquered and ruled by Spain during the 16th century. Here are the direct translations of the names of Mexico and the Central American countries!Ĭountry names can tell you so much about a country itself! Take a short history lesson through the literal meanings of some Central and North American countries below. Let’s begin! Behind the Names of Mexico and Central American Countries If you love discovering the origins of names and learning about the rich historical roots of Latin American countries, then you are in luck! We have provided you with a captivating list of the literal meanings of the names of Latin American countries. Have you ever wondered why Brazil is called Brazil? Or what the name Peru actually means? Why Brazil is Called Brazil: Fascinating Origins of Latin American Country Names
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |