What is the origin of The Azorean Islands names?

The Azorean islands have very creative names that sometimes raise doubts, so we decided to clarify the name of each one of our fantastic nine islands, starting by justifying the name of the Archipelago!

Ribeiras, Pico Island

The origin of the name Azores

There are several theories but the best known and accepted as the origin of the name Azores goes back to the first navigators, discoverers of the archipelago, who noticed many birds that claimed to be Azores.

The islands were home to both Kites and Azores, but there was no clear distinction between the two. Only years later, in the work “Saudades da Terra” by Gaspar Frutuoso, an Azorean historian, priest and humanist, it was discovered that those discoverers probably confused the species.

The truth is that we should be grateful because  Azores sounds much better than “Archipelago of the Kites”!

Azor (Accipiter gentilis)

São Miguel

It is believed that São Miguel had already been discovered between 1426 and 1439, however, it was only in 1444 that its settlement began, more specifically on September 29th, day of the Archangel Saint Michael, “São Miguel” in portuguese and being the target of great worship by the Infant D. Pedro, regent of the kingdom, he ended up naming the island.

 Fogo Lake, São Miguel Island

Santa Maria

Being, geologically, the oldest island of the archipelago, some say that its name is due to the day of the landing of the first navigators, August 15, day of the Assumption of Our Lady Mary, “Santa Maria” in Portuguese.

Praia Formosa , Santa Maria Island

Terceira

The name of this island, according to many, is due to the fact that it was the “third”, “Terceira” in Portuguese, of the islands to be discovered and populated”. It has already been called Brazil Island or Jesus Christ Island, but the name that really stayed and is attributed until today is Terceira Island.

Serreta Viewpoint, Terceira Island

Graciosa

This island was characterized in this way by the “graceful”, “Graciosa” in portuguese, aspect seen from the sea, for having captivated the attention of its discoverers with its beauty and gracefulness as the name itself indicates and well!

Graciosa Island

Pico

Anyone who had the chance to visit this island understands the reason of this name. It is due to the majestic volcanic mountain, Pico Mountain. It is the third largest volcano in the Atlantic and ends in a conical peak, in Portuguese “Pico” which gives the island its name.

 Pico Mountain, Ilha do Pico

Faial

It is believed to have been discovered in 1427 and began to be settled in 1432. Its name is said to be due to the existence of many trees called “Myrica faya” species, better known as Faia.

 Faial Island

São Jorge

There are several theories for this name, many refer that the narrow width of this island, remounts to a sword, it is believed that from there has emerged the name, the sword of the warrior Saint George. However its shape also reminds of a dragon, which is dominated by Saint George, in Portuguese “São Jorge” with his sword, if we follow the iconography of this Saint.

São Jorge Island

Flores

This island owes its name, and with a more than perfect explanation, to the huge variety of flowers, in Portugal called “Flores” and plants that exist, contributing to the fantastic color palette of the island, vibrant and beautiful.

Lagoa Funda,  Flores Island

Corvo

Discovered in 1452 and populated in 1548, its name comes from the existence of cormorants, which in Portugal are called “Corvos”, that lived there and, even without having any idea, ended up baptizing the smallest island of the Azores archipelago.

Lagoa do Caldeirão,  Corvo Island

 

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