Have you wondered where the name ‘Canada’ comes from?
It’s the Huron-Iroquois word ‘kanata’ which means ‘settlement’ or ‘village.’
Jacques Cartier first heard it in reference to Quebec City, but soon it was used to describe the whole region. Upper Canada Parliamentarian Thomas D’Arcy McGee argued the adoption of Canada as the name for the country in 1865. And the name was officially adopted on July 1, 1867.
So, have you ever wondered what other names were being considered for this country?
Here are some of the names that were bested by the moniker ‘Canada.’
Acadia – Albertland – Albionara
Albona – Alexandrina – Aquilonia
Borealia – British North America – Brittanica
Cabotia – Canadensia – Colonia
Efisga – Hochelaga – Laurentia
Mesopelagia – New Albion – Niagarentia
Norland – Superior – Transatlantia
Transatlantica – Transylvania – Tuponia
Ursulia – Vesperia – Victorialand or Victorialia
Say, how does “Happy Efisga Day” sound?
Or “Happy Hochelaga Day!”
Of course, I like many of my friends still like to say “Happy Dominion Day,” but that’s an argument for another time….
Chris George, providing reliable PR counsel and effective advocacy. Need a go-to writer or experienced communicator? 613-983-0801 @ CG&A COMMUNICATIONS.
