TRANSLATION OF S.AMERICAN COUNTRIES NAMES

Unsurprisingly, many Caribbean countries get their literal meanings from the gorgeous sea and lush tropics all around them.

1. The Bahamas – Land of Shallow Sea
2. Cuba – Centre Place
3. Dominican Republic – Saint Dominic’s Island
4. Haiti – Land of Mountains
5. Jamaica – Land of Wood and Water

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the origin stories of these countries through their names.

The Bahamas, The Land of the Shallow Sea

Language of Origin: Spanish 

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. 

Haiti, The Land of Mountains

Language of Origin: An indigenous dialect

Before the 19th century, Haiti was actually named Saint-Domingue by the French. But once it received its independence in 1804, the country was fitted with the more culturally acceptable name of Haiti, meaning “land of mountains.” 

Brazil’s Meaning Brazil: Interesting Latin American Country Name Origins

Brazil? Peru’s meaning?

If you’re interested in Latin American history and name origins, you’re in luck! We’ve presented a fascinating selection of Latin American country names’ literal meanings.

Start now!

Behind the Names of Mexico and Central American Countries

Here are the direct translations of the names of Mexico and the Central American countries!

1. Belize – Muddy Watered Land
2. Costa Rica – Rich Coast
3. El Salvador – Land of the Savior
4. Guatemala – Land of Many Trees
5. Honduras – Deep Water
6. Mexico – In the Navel of the Moon
7. Nicaragua – Land by the Water
8. Panama – Place of Abundant Fish 

Country 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.

Costa Rica, The Rich Coast

Language of Origin: Spanish

Costa Rica was once one of the many countries conquered and ruled by Spain during the 16th century. 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

Language of Origin: Maya-Toltec, Nahuatl, or another indigenous dialect

With more than 20 indigenous languages rooted in its culture, Guatemala’s name is believed to come from native civilization lived there

Mexico, In the Navel of the Moon

Language of Origin: Nahuatl 

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. The name particularly originates from Mexico City, or the Valley of Mexico, where the great Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was once situated. 

Unsurprisingly, many Caribbean countries get their literal meanings from the gorgeous sea and lush tropics all around them.

1. The Bahamas – Land of Shallow Sea
2. Cuba – Centre Place
3. Dominican Republic – Saint Dominic’s Island
4. Haiti – Land of Mountains
5. Jamaica – Land of Wood and Water

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the origin stories of these countries through their names.

The Bahamas, The Land of the Shallow Sea

Language of Origin: Spanish 

In Spanish, the word Baja mar means “shallow water” or “low tide.” The Bahamas, a former British colony and Christopher landed first there.’