Saint Lucia: The Only Country Named After a Woman

• Saint Lucia is the only country named after a real-life woman.
• The island was originally called Louanalao by the Arawak people.
• December 13 is celebrated as the National Day of St Lucia.
• Spanish named the island Sancta Lucia around 1511.
• Few American locations are named after women.

Unique Claim of St Lucia’s Name After a Woman

Saint Lucia, that sunny and vibrant Caribbean paradise, holds the unique distinction of being the only country in the world named after a woman. This island nation is named in honor of St Lucy of Syracuse, who is remembered as the patron saint of the blind, having tragically passed away around the fourth century CE. Although many countries have names that honor significant historical figures, Saint Lucia stands out, making it a remarkable case in the intricate tapestry of global geography.

Historical Background of Saint Lucia’s Name

But the story of this island’s name is steeped in history too, dating back much further than its current moniker. Originally, the Indigenous Arawak people called the island ‘Louanalao’, which translates to ‘Island of the Iguanas,’ as far back as 200 CE. Fast forward to 1502 and misfortune struck for a group of French sailors whose ship was wrecked; they managed to reach the island and named it “Sainte Alousie,” which incidentally aligned with the feast day of St Lucy, celebrated on December 13. It’s interesting to note that this date is now marked as the National Day of St Lucia, further embedding St Lucy’s legacy into the culture and identity of the island.

Influence of Women in Geography and Culture

Exploring further, the Spanish arrived in 1511 and referred to the island as “Sancta Lucia,” but the name morphed after back-and-forth colonization efforts led by the English and French. Interestingly, while Saint Lucia garners attention for this unique tribute to a woman, other global instances of female namesakes in geography are quite sparse. For example, locations named after Queen Victoria, who reigned in the UK from 1837 to 1901, can be found across various countries, including the provincial capital of British Columbia in Canada and the iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. But right here in the United States, there are very few locations that bear women’s names, such as Barton County in Kansas, dedicated to Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross; and Dare County in North Carolina, honoring Virginia Dare, the first child born to English parents in the New World. As you can see, the naming of places after women is not only rare but often a fascinating reflection of history and culture.

In summary, Saint Lucia’s title as the only country named after a real-life woman is a notable historical gem in the global landscape. This unique attribute, tied to its rich and evolving history, marks a divergence from the common practice of naming countries after men or significant male figures. It prompts a deeper reflection on the representation of women in geographical naming conventions, both historically and in contemporary contexts, and how the legacy of St Lucy continues to impact Saint Lucia’s identity and cultural significance.