Bahamas etymology

Etymology

The name "Bahamas" is derived from the Spanish "baja mar," meaning "shallow sea." This name was given by early Spanish explorers who encountered the extensive shallow waters and coral reefs surrounding the islands.

Meaning and Origin

• Shallow Sea: The term "baja mar" accurately describes the geographical characteristic of the Bahamas, which consists of relatively shallow waters and numerous islands and cays.
• Pre-Columbian Era: The indigenous Lucayan people, who inhabited the islands before European arrival, referred to them as "Bahamian" or "Lucayoneque."
• Spanish Era: In the 16th century, Christopher Columbus and other Spanish explorers reached the Bahamas. They named the islands "Baja Mar" due to the shallow waters they encountered.
• English Era: The Bahamas became a British colony in 1718. The name "Bahamas" was retained in English, and it became the official name of the islands upon their independence in 1973.

Pronunciation

The name "Bahamas" is pronounced as [bəˈhɑːməs] in English. In Spanish, it is pronounced as [baˈxa mar] or [ˈba.xa mar].

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