Halifax etymology

Etymology

The name "Halifax" is derived from two Old English words:

• Halig (pronounced "HAY-lig"): Meaning "holy" or "sacred"
• Fax (pronounced "FAX"): Meaning "hair"

Meaning and Origin

The name Halifax originally referred to a "holy place of hair" or a "holy place associated with hair." This is likely in reference to a strand of hair believed to be from John the Baptist, which was venerated at a church in Halifax, England.

According to legend, the hair was brought to England by the Crusaders and enshrined in the church. The presence of the relic attracted pilgrims from far and wide, making Halifax a significant religious destination.

The name was first used for the English town of Halifax in West Yorkshire. When English settlers arrived in Nova Scotia in the 18th century, they named the new capital city after the English town.

Variations

Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved slightly:

• Early records spell it as "Hallifax" or "Hallifax"
• The "e" was later dropped, resulting in the current spelling of "Halifax"

Halifax relate terms

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