Etymological World Cities - "A" Quiz

Answer: Amsterdam

Amsterdam's name is a combination of two elements: "Amstel" and "dam." The former refers to the Amstel River, which flows through the city and was named in Old Dutch, with "am" meaning "water" and "stelle" meaning "place."

The latter part, "dam," is a common feature in many Dutch place names, signifying the construction of dams or dikes to control water levels. Therefore, Amsterdam can be understood as something like "the place by the Amstel River with a dam." This name reflects the city's origins as a small fishing village built around a dam in the river during the 12th century.

Answer: Athens

The etymology of the city of Athens is a subject of debate among philologists. Common wisdom suggests that Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, making it Athena's city. This account is most widely-accepted in Greek mythological and political circles.

However, another perspective proposes that Athena might have been named after the city of Athens. The origin of the Greek word for Athens, "Athina," likely comes from a pre-Hellenic source, meaning the name could predate the Greek mythos.

Answer: Adelaide

The city of Adelaide, located in South Australia, got its name from Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV of the United Kingdom. Established in 1836, Adelaide was named in her honor by the colony's founding father, Colonel William Light. The name "Adelaide" originates from Germanic roots and means "noble kind" or "of noble birth." This choice of name reflects the aspirations of the early settlers to create a city characterized by refinement, culture, and elegance.

Answer: Addis Ababa

The name Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, has a beautiful and symbolic origin. "Addis" means "new" in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, while "Ababa" translates to "flower." Therefore, Addis Ababa is often interpreted to mean "new flower." The city earned this name when Emperor Menelik II decided to establish his capital in the late 19th century.

Legend has it that while on a hunting expedition, Empress Taytu Betul, the wife of Emperor Menelik II, was struck by the sight of vibrant wildflowers in the area. She exclaimed "Addis Ababa," expressing her joy at discovering this beautiful and promising land. From then on, the city became known as Addis Ababa, symbolizing its status as a blossoming and vibrant center of Ethiopian culture.

Answer: Ankara

The name Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, has an etymology deeply rooted in its geography. The name Ankara is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek "Ancyra," meaning "anchor" or "bend in the river." This name reflects the city's strategic location on a bend of the Ankara River, a tributary of the Sakarya River. Over the centuries, Ankara has served as an important center for various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

Answer: Antwerp

The name "Antwerp" is believed to have originated from the Dutch words "aan" and "werpen," which together mean "to throw up" or "mound." This name likely refers to the city's location on the Scheldt River, where a mound or embankment was built to protect against flooding. Over time, Antwerp grew into a bustling port city and commercial hub, playing a significant role in European trade and commerce. Today, it is renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and diamond trade.

Answer: Algiers

The name Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, has a rich and complex etymology influenced by various cultures. The city's name is believed to have originated from the Arabic word "al-jaza'ir," meaning "the islands," which likely refers to the numerous small islands that once dotted the coastline.

However, during the French colonial period, Algeria came under French rule, and the city's name was adapted to "Alger" in French. This influence extended beyond just the name, as French colonization significantly impacted Algerian society, language, and culture.

Answer: Asuncion

The capital city of Paraguay, the name Asunción (originally Nuestra Señora de la Asunción) has a deeply religious origin tied to Spanish colonization. Asunción means "assumption" in Spanish, referring to the Assumption of Mary, a Catholic feast celebrating the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven.

The city was founded on August 15, 1537, coinciding with the feast day of the Assumption of Mary, which likely influenced its name. Additionally, Asunción is often referred to as "the Mother of Cities" due to its status as one of the oldest cities in South America, serving as a crucial hub for Spanish colonization and administration in the region.

Answer: Alexandria

The city of Alexandria, located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, has a rich history and a name with ancient origins. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE and named after himself. The name "Alexandria" is derived from the Greek name "Alexandros," meaning "defender of the people."

Over the centuries, Alexandria grew into a bustling metropolis and a center of culture, learning, and trade in the ancient world. It earned the nickname "the Bride of the Mediterranean" due to its stunning beauty, strategic location, and importance as a cosmopolitan hub connecting the East and West.

Answer: Abu Dhabi

The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, "Abu Dhabi" translates to "father of gazelle" in Arabic, with "Abu" meaning "father" and "Dhabi" referring to the Arabian gazelle, a common animal in the region's deserts.

According to local folklore, the name originates from a tale involving Shakhbut bin Dhiyab al Nahyan, a member of the ruling Al Nahyan family. Legend has it that Shakhbut was hunting in the desert when he encountered a gazelle that led him to a freshwater well, which he later developed into an oasis. In gratitude, he named the area "Abu Dhabi" after the gazelle that guided him to the life-sustaining water source.