Many countries have undergone name changes over time, often for various reasons such as redefining identity, asserting independence, or reflecting new political realities. These changes hold significant historical and cultural importance.
NIGERIA
The region now known as Nigeria was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Oyo Empire and the Benin Kingdom. Before the name “Nigeria” was adopted, the area was referred to as the “Royal Niger Company Territories” and had other proposed names like Central Sudan and Hausa Territories.
GHANA
Ancient Ghana was known as Wagadu, derived from the king’s title, ghāna. Before March 1957, it was called the Gold Coast, a name adopted by the English due to the region’s wealth in gold.
ETHIOPIA
The name “Ethiopia” comes from a Greek term meaning “land of the burnt faces.” Previously known as Abyssinia, this region encompassed areas beyond present-day Ethiopia, including parts of Eritrea and Sudan.
EGYPT
Ancient Egypt was referred to as “Kemet,” meaning “black land,” which likely referred to the fertile soil left by the Nile’s floods. The name “Egypt” itself is derived from the Nile River.
TURKEY
The area now known as Turkey was historically called Anatolia or Asia Minor. Its western region was once known as Byzantium, later becoming Constantinople and eventually Istanbul.
IRAN
Historically, Iran was known as Persia until 1935. The name Persia means “deeply rooted” and refers to the ancient Achaemenid dynasty.
UNITED KINGDOM
The island now called Great Britain was known as Albion by the Greeks and Romans, who also referred to it as Britannia.
IRAQ
Iraq was historically known as Mesopotamia, referring to the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
KOREA (NORTH AND SOUTH)
Before its division after World War II, Korea was called “Cho Son.”
TOKYO
Tokyo was formerly known as Edo until the capital was moved from Kyoto in 1868.
CHINA
China has been known by several names, including Huaxia and Zhongguo. Europeans referred to it as Cathay, an Anglicized form of “Catai.”
INDIA
India was referred to as “Indos” by Europeans and also known as Bharat, named after an ancient ruler.
PALESTINE/ISRAEL
The region historically known as Israel and Palestine was once called Canaan and later Judea and Samaria.
FRANCE
In ancient times, France was known as Gaul. Following the Franks’ takeover in the 5th century AD, it became known as Frankia.
These name changes reflect the inevitability of change in the world, highlighting the dynamic nature of identity and culture.