Canadian etymology

Etymology:

  • Cana (from Iroquoian languages meaning "village" or "settlement")
  • -da (Iroquoian suffix meaning "at")

Meaning:

"At the village" or "at the settlement"

Origin:

The name "Canada" originated with the Iroquois Confederacy in what is now northeastern North America. French explorers, such as Samuel de Champlain, heard the Iroquois use the term "kanata" to refer to a settlement near present-day Quebec City.

Champlain adopted the term and used it in his writings to refer to the entire region controlled by the Iroquois. Over time, the name "Canada" came to be used for the entire northern half of the continent, which was then under French control.

When Great Britain acquired control of the territory in 1763, the name "Canada" was used for the central part of British North America. In 1867, the Dominion of Canada was formed by uniting several British colonies, and the name "Canada" officially became the name of the country.

Other Possible Origins:

  • Some historians suggest that the name "Canada" may have ultimately derived from an Algonquian word meaning "house" or "shelter."
  • Others speculate that it may be related to a Basque word, "Kanata," meaning "far-off place."

Canadian relate terms

  • Canada

    Etymology The name Canada is derived from the Iroquoian word kanata meaning village

  • Canadianism

    Etymology The term Canadianism has two distinct etymologies As a noun From Canad

  • Canadian

    Etymology Cana from Iroquoian languages meaning village or settlement da Iroquo

  • dive

    Etymology The word dive has two distinct etymologies From Middle English diven m

  • maple

    Etymology The word maple comes from the Old English word mapuldor which in turn com

  • Chicago

    Etymology The name Chicago likely originated from a Native American Miami Illinois word

  • lacrosse

    Etymology The word lacrosse is derived from the French word la crosse which means t

  • habitant

    Etymology Habit noun is derived from the Latin word habitus meaning outward appearan

  • chiropodist

    Etymology Chiro Greek hand pod Greek foot Meaning A chiropodist is a healt

  • portage

    Etymology and Meaning The word portage originates from the French word portage deri

  • Oklahoma

    Etymology Oklahoma is a Native American name derived from the Choctaw words okla me

  • Texas

    Etymology The name Texas is derived from the Caddo Indian word tejas or tayjas wh