Portuguese etymology

Etymology of "Portuguese"

  • Portuguese: Português
  • Latin: Portugallensis
  • "Portus Cale": Ancient Roman port city located near the present-day city of Porto

Meaning and Origin of "Portuguese"

The name "Portuguese" derives from the Roman city of Portus Cale, which was established at the mouth of the Douro River in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The city became an important trading center and military outpost for the Romans.

Over time, the name "Portus Cale" evolved into "Portugalia" in Latin and "Portugal" in Portuguese. By the 12th century, the name "Portuguese" was used to refer to the people and language of this region.

The name "Portus Cale" is thought to have a Celtic origin. It may derive from:

  • "Portus": Latin for "port" or "harbor"
  • "Cale": A Celtic deity or possibly a Celtic word for a "thicket" or "wood"

Therefore, the name "Portuguese" ultimately means "people from the port of Cale."

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