Cypriot etymology

Etymology

The name "Cyprus" comes from the Greek word "Κύπρος" (Kýpros), which is thought to be derived from the ancient Semitic name for the island, "Kpr" or "Kftor."

Meaning

The precise meaning of "Kpr" or "Kftor" is uncertain, but it may have referred to:

• Copper: Cyprus was renowned for its copper mines in ancient times, which may have given rise to the name.
• Cypress trees: The island was once covered in cypress trees, which are still prevalent today.
• Hennessy: The ancient word "Kftor" was used by the Egyptians to refer to a land that produced henna, a flowering plant used for dyes.
• Gopher wood: In the Hebrew Bible, "Kopher" is the name of a type of wood used to build the Ark of the Covenant. Some speculate that Cyprus was a source of this wood.

Origin

The name "Cyprus" is first attested c. 1450 BCE in the Amarna Letters, a collection of diplomatic correspondence between ancient Egypt and its vassals. It was later used by the Greeks, who colonized the island in the 12th century BCE.

The name has evolved over time, from "Κύπρος" (Classical Greek) to "Kibris" (Turkish) and "Kýpros" (Modern Greek).

Cypriot relate terms

• Cyprus

  Etymology The name Cyprus is derived from the ancient Greek word Κύπρος Kupro

• cypress

  Etymology The word cypress comes from the Latin word cypressus which is derived from

• Cyprian

  Etymology Greek Κυπριανός Kyprianos Meaning Of Cyprus Belonging to

• handsome

  Etymology The word handsome originated in the 13th century from the Middle English wor

• comprehension

  Etymology The word comprehension comes from the Latin word comprehendere which means

• gentile

  Etymology The word gentile originates from the Latin word gens which means nation

• charge

  Etymology The word charge comes from the Old French word carge which in turn derives

• factor

  Etymology Latin factum a deed act event Past participle of facere to do make

• affinity

  Etymology Latin affinitas meaning relationship by marriage Old French affinité

• nightcap

  Etymology Nightcap is a compound word derived from two English words Night Referring