Translating the world

The rich cultures that have grown throughout history have made the world a varied and interesting place. As new places have been discovered and established over time, their names have been thoughtfully selected to represent them. What we now think of as just a string of letters and words that label the world’s cities are actually well-thought-out descriptions that tell us a lot about a place and its history. In this article, we look into some of the names of the most interesting places around the world, and what they mean. 

Spanish for Fair Winds, Buenos Aires' name is as ever-changing and evolving as the city. The original settlement was called Ciudad de la Santísima Trinidad y Puerto de Nuestra Señora la Virgen María de los Buenos Aires, which translates to City of the Most Holy Trinity and Port of Saint Mary of the Fair Winds. During the 17th century, the longer name was dropped for the more commonly used, and much faster to say, Buenos Aires. It isn’t just the city that has an interesting etymology either, as the inhabitants are known as porteños, which means people of the port. 

Sydney comes from the family name which, in Old English, literally means Dweller by the Well-Watered Land. As well as being a major coastal port city, Sydney is truly connected to its coastline. It is built around the mouth of the Parramatta River, with the water that surrounds it just as much a part of the city as the land. 

We chatted with Justine from I’m Free Tours, she explained why a walking tour is a great way to see Sydney, “You’ll learn about the stories behind the landmarks and how the city has been shaped by its people and landscape. More importantly, you’ll learn the real side of a city. You’ll walk down laneways and arcades that you didn’t know existed and find out what it’s like to be a local - such as what to eat and where - beyond the normal tourist attractions. The most important thing is perhaps the lasting memory and the feeling that you’ll take with you. It’s not about the buildings and animals you saw, but the understanding you’ll have of the place and the people within it.” 

Originally named Lle Mont Royal’ in Middle French by Jacques Cartier after the nearby mountain. What is unknown, however, is how the name became Montreal, although many believe it’s from an Italian map translation in 1556. 

Derived from the city’s Danish name København, Copenhagen means Merchant’s Harbour in Danish. Throughout history, Copenhagen was a renowned merchant city, particularly in the medieval period when it was the main port within the Baltic Sea. This core part of Copenhagen’s history is still prevalent in the city today, with many amazing markets and stalls dotted all around the city. 

We spoke with the team at Visit Copenhagen, they explained why Merchant’s Harbour is the perfect name for the city, “Back in the middle ages, the Baltic Sea was brimming with schools of shiny herring and Copenhagen was an important trade spot for merchants acquiring this silver of the sea, thus gaining its name and reputation. Today, Copenhagen remains a hot spot for business and still attracts foreign visitors, even though the attraction has shifted somewhat. Now people come for that laidback Copenhagen vibe, the good food and to explore the combination of modernity and historic buildings that are found here. 

“When exploring Copenhagen’s cultural heritage, it’s still a good idea to venture around the harbour area and explore the many canals. Here, you’ll find old castles, churches and quaint cobbled streets with colourful houses. However, there are plenty of reasons to wander beyond the city centre and into the backstreets, to visit the old naval houses at Nyboder, the Botanical Garden or maybe even explore beyond the city and visit Castle Kronborg, where Shakespeare’s Hamlet is set.” 

The history of Budapest is fascinating. Originally three cities; Óbuda, Buda and Pest, the Hungarian capital forged together in 1873. Buda translates to water and Pest is the Slavic word for furnace or oven, so when combined, the city name means Water Furnace. For a short amount of time, the names were reversed, so the city was known as Pest-Buda. Both of the original cities were on opposite shores of the Danube, which means they are in superb locations for a river cruise. 

We spoke with Lilla from Budapest Info, “Over the centuries, three cities grew and blossomed side by side along the banks of the Danube; Buda, site of the royal residence, Pest, with its dynamic growth from the 19th century onwards and Óbuda, known for its somewhat less urban but cheerful restaurants and citizens.” Lilla suggests that people looking to get to know the city should experience its museums, of which there are plenty on offer. From the Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park, which houses the excavated ruins of an ancient Roman town found under Budapest, to the Hungarian National Gallery.  

From the Old Norse reyka and vík, Reykjavík means ‘Smoky Bay’ or ‘Bay of Smokes.’ It is believed Reykjavík was the first settlement in Iceland and dates back to AD 874, finally being founded as a city in 1786. We spoke to the team at Visit Reykjavík, who told us about the city’s offerings, “Reykjavík is so much more than just a destination, it’s a place of exciting possibilities surrounded by incredible landscapes, where countless adventures beckon and a host of natural wonders await.” 

Named after the patron goddess of the native Koli community, Memadevi, Mumbai means Mother in Marathi. The Koli people originated in Gujarat and when they pilgrimaged to the city, it is rumoured they brought their goddess with them, and she is still worshipped in Mumbai today. 

Dublin is derived from the Irish Dubh Linn, meaning Black Pool. Tourism Ireland told us more about the origins of the name, “The name Dublin comes from the Gaelic Dubh Linn or ‘Black Pool,’ where the Poddle stream met the River Liffey to form a deep pool at the present-day Dublin Castle.” Remanence of this black pool still exists today, under the circular grass area in the image below. 

“The city’s modern name, Baile Áth Cliath, means ‘town of the ford of the hurdles.’ The Vikings used this ‘black pool’ as a harbour for their longships and settled here permanently from 841, creating the largest Viking city and trading post in Europe for over a hundred years.” They suggest visiting Dublinia or The National Museum of Ireland in Dublin to learn more about Dublin’s history.  

Tokyo comes from the Japanese 東京, which translates to Eastern Capital. Interestingly, the former capital of Japan, Kyoto, uses the same two words (‘to’ and ‘kyo) but in reverse. Despite this, Kyoto is actually derived from 京都, which means Capital City. So, although Tokyo became the capital in 1863, its name doesn’t reflect that. 

The name Agadir is very common in Morocco, meaning Wall, Enclosure or Fortified Building. It’s not just this port city that falls under that name, as it’s quite commonly used around the country due to its translation. The city’s full name in Tashelhit, Agadir n Yighir translates literally to The Fortress of the Cape. 

We spoke with Visit Agadir, whose site goes into great depth about the city’s history, looking at the timeline surrounding its most dramatic event, the 1960 earthquake. This event has shaped modern Agadir and still lingers in the minds of many residents. All around the city, as well as fantastic architecture and an amazing coastline, you’ll experience monuments built after this earthquake, marking their significance. 

A gem of the Namibian coastline, Walvis Bay translates from Afrikaans to Whale Bay. Likely named after the incredible sea life it is home to, Walvis Bay remains a great location to experience whales, seals, dolphins and also a great range of seabirds. 

Amsterdam, derived from the Dutch Amstellerdam, means A Dam on the River Amstel. Quite a literal name, the name Amstel itself also translates from Dutch to Area Abounding with Water. 

“Everybody visiting Amsterdam should absolutely visit the three canals of the 17th-century-canal-belt to marvel at the grand canal houses built by the city’s wealthy merchants during the 17th-century Golden Age,” says Sergio from FreeDam Tours. “They are a testament to Amsterdam’s incredible wealth and were the most important trading and financial centre in the world of the time. This incredible feat of urban planning (the biggest urban expansion plan in history at the time) is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to see the most picture-perfect sight Amsterdam has to offer, stunning canal houses, passing by Anne Frank’s house along the way. Find unique gifts in the famous ‘9-little-streets shopping district’ crisscrossing the three canals and experience the laidback Amsterdam cycling lifestyle. That said, as we warn our guests: if you hear a bell, run like hell!” 

Bergen is often regarded as one of the most inspiring and beautiful port cities in the world. That’s why it seems only fitting that its name is adapted from Old Norwegian Bergevin, which translates to Meadow Between the Mountains. 

Although the definite origin of the name Panama is unknown, there are two residing and highly differing theories. The official definition promoted by the Ministry of Education is that it translates from the Cueva Indian language and means Place of Abundance of Fish. Another theory, however, says that it is named after the indigenous Panama tree, found commonly around the country. 

Derived from the Sanskrit सिंहपुरं or Simhapuram, Singapore means Lion City. A Srivijayan prince called Sang Nila Utama was credited with naming the city after he founded the Kingdom of Singapura in 1299. Over time, the Kingdom of Singapura would go on to become the city of Singapore as we know it today.