Iberia etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: Iberia
  • Greek: Ἰβηρία (Iberia)
  • Proto-Basque: *(H)iberi-

Meaning:

  • The name "Iberia" refers to the Iberian Peninsula, which comprises present-day Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar.
  • The word literally means "land of the Iberi".

Origin:

  • The origin of the term "Iberia" is uncertain, but there are several theories:

    • Ancient Greek theory: According to the Greek historian Strabo, the name was given by the Greeks to the eastern and southern coastal regions of the Iberian Peninsula, which were inhabited by the Iberi people.
    • Proto-Basque theory: Some scholars believe that the name "Iberi" may have its origins in the Proto-Basque language. The Basque word "hiburu" means "west". This theory suggests that the Iberi people originally lived in the western part of the peninsula and that their name was adopted by the Greeks as a general term for the entire region.
    • Celtiberian theory: Another possibility is that the name comes from the Celtiberian language, where "iberi" meant "river". The Iberian Peninsula is home to several major rivers, so this etymology is also plausible.

Usage:

  • Today, the term "Iberia" is primarily used to refer to the Iberian Peninsula as a geographical region.
  • It is also commonly used in the names of airlines and other organizations related to Spain and Portugal, such as Iberia Airlines and the Iberian Union.

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