Bermuda etymology

Etymology:

The origin of the name "Bermuda" is uncertain, but there are two main theories:

  1. Spanish Adjective: The word "bermuda" possibly originates from the Spanish adjective "bermejo," meaning "reddish" or "vermilion." This theory is supported by the reddish color of the soil on some of the islands.

  2. Juan de Bermúdez: Alternatively, the name may come from Juan de Bermúdez, a Spanish explorer who is believed to have discovered the islands in 1505 and named them after himself.

Meaning and Origin:

Regardless of its exact etymology, the name "Bermuda" refers to a group of islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000 miles east of the coast of North Carolina, USA. The islands are part of a British Overseas Territory and are officially known as "Bermuda."

Historical Usage:

The name "Bermuda" has been used throughout history to refer to the islands. Early Spanish maps and documents used the spelling "Bermudas," which later evolved into the present-day spelling "Bermuda."

Other Names:

The islands have also been known by other names over the years, including:

  • The Devil's Islands: This name was given to the islands by early sailors due to their reputation for being difficult to navigate and for their strong winds and currents.
  • The Isle of Devils: Another name that was sometimes used to describe the islands.
  • Somers Isles: Named after Admiral Sir George Somers, who led a group of English colonists to the islands in 1609.

Bermuda relate terms

  • Capri

    Etymology The name Capri is derived from the Greek word kapros which means wild boa

  • Atlantic

    Etymology The word Atlantic derives from the Greek mythology character Atlas a Titan w

  • alcohol

    Etymology of Alcohol The word alcohol originates from the Arabic word al kuhl whi

  • dusk

    Etymology The word dusk comes from the Old English word dusc which was itself derive

  • higgledy piggledy

    Etymology The origin of higgledypiggledy is uncertain but there are several theories

  • fail

    Etymology The word fail traces its origins back to the Latin verb fallere meaning

  • maroon

    Etymology The word maroon has multiple etymological origins Spanish cimarrón m

  • school

    Etymology The word school originates from the Greek term skholē which originally m