Origin of Baltic country names

[Ferran]

What's in a Name
Baltic, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia


What is the origin of the names Baltic, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia? In short, no one's sure. So much time has passed that the original meanings have long been forgotten. That hasn't stopped scholars from arguing, sometimes heatedly, about it.


BALTIC
The first recorded use of the word Baltic was by 11th century German chronicler Adamus Bremen, who, writing in Latin, referred to Mare Balticum, the Baltic Sea. There are several versions about where he picked up the term. One is that he got it from the Danish word for belt or sash, bælte—referring, perhaps, to the belt-like shape of the sea itself. Another theory is that the name is derived from the Prussian word for land-locked bay, balt. Others say Baltic came from the Lithuanian word baltas, or white—as in the white, wind-swept sea.


LATVIA
There's not much dispute about when the word Latvia came into popular use; it was in the 19th century as Latvians started to exert a national identity. Before, the region was known variously as Lettland, Lotygola, Leththia and Lothwa, along with other variants. There seems to be agreement that the thread in these names, let and lat, refer to a river near which the Latvians once lived. The rivers were probably the Lata or Leta, which are in an area around Vilnius. The region was inhabited by Latvian tribes before they migrated north.


LITHUANIA
Scholars are still pulling their hair out trying to discover the origin of Lithuania, or Lietuva in Lithuanian. A Latin form of the word, Lituae, was first used in a chronicle in 1009 describing how an archbishop "was struck over the head by pagans in Lituae and then went to heaven." A 16th century scholar associated the word with the Latin word litus, or tubes—a possible reference to wooden trumpets played by Lithuanian tribes. Modern scholars tend to brush this explanation aside, saying, instead, that Lithuania must have derived from the name of a river. But while it doesn't necessarily disprove the river theory, no one has been able to prove that a river resembling the name Lietuva ever actually existed.


ESTONIA
Eesti—Estonia in Estonian—appears to derive from Aestii, the word used by Roman chronicler Tacitus in 100 B.C. to describe tribes living east of Germanic peoples. Tacitus didn't have Estonians in mind per se, using the word instead to describe all peoples living on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Others say the word Aestii derived from Aista, a name of a known Lithuanian river. Whatever the case, forms of the word were eventually applied specifically to Estonians. Scandinavian sagas from the first millennium refer to Eistland and the Eisr, and Latin chronicles speak of the Estia, Hestia and Estonia. Estonians only started referring to themselves as eestlased (Estonians) during the Era of National Awakening in the 19th century. Before they simply referred to themselves as the country people—or maarahvas.

—CITY PAPER-The Baltic States



Source: http://www.balticsww.com/names.htm

[Whiteruthenian]

Originally Posted by Ferran

LITHUANIA
Scholars are still pulling their hair out trying to discover the origin of Lithuania, or Lietuva in Lithuanian. A Latin form of the word, Lituae, was first used in a chronicle in 1009 describing how an archbishop "was struck over the head by pagans in Lituae and then went to heaven." A 16th century scholar associated the word with the Latin word litus, or tubes—a possible reference to wooden trumpets played by Lithuanian tribes. Modern scholars tend to brush this explanation aside, saying, instead, that Lithuania must have derived from the name of a river. But while it doesn't necessarily disprove the river theory, no one has been able to prove that a river resembling the name Lietuva ever actually existed.

As far as I know there are even two theories about the origin of the name “Lithuania” (Litva/Lietuva). The first one says that it originates from Slavic *liti (to pour), because primarily the word “Litva” designated the territory between two rivers – Nemen and Vilia. The inhabitants of that territory were predominantly Slavic-speaking so there is not to be wondered at. The second theory says that “litva” was the name of military estate who settled there. That name was supposed to be originated from the totem of those people – the wolf. (Pronouncing of that word was a taboo, that is why the word *l’utъ (fierce) was used instead).

The evolution of the meaning of that word during the centuries is a very interesting object for research. But I hope it is done not by Lithuanian or Belarusian historians.

[svin]

Estonians only started referring to themselves as eestlased (Estonians) during the Era of National Awakening in the 19th century. Before they simply referred to themselves as the country people—or maarahvas.

That's interesting. I know that people from some regions of Belarus called themselves "tuteishie" ("locals" - meaning, they are local people who live there, not foreigners). Interesting similiarity.

[zemelmete]

In latvian language Estonia is Igaunija. The name comes from the name of finnic tribe ugaunians, which lived in southern part of Estonia and were neighbours of baltic tribes.
In latvian language Lithuania is Lietuva. But it is relatively new word. Historically latvians called this country as Leišzeme, Leišmale. Also historical word of lithuanians is leiši (nowdays latvians usually are caling them lietuvieši - newer variant). So I guess the word Lithuania comes from ancient baltic word leitis or something like that.

[Whiteruthenian]

Originally Posted by zemelmete

In latvian language Estonia is Igaunija. The name comes from the name of finnic tribe ugaunians, which lived in southern part of Estonia and were neighbours of baltic tribes.
In latvian language Lithuania is Lietuva. But it is relatively new word. Historically latvians called this country as Leišzeme, Leišmale. Also historical word of lithuanians is leiši (nowdays latvians usually are caling them lietuvieši - newer variant). So I guess the word Lithuania comes from ancient baltic word leitis or something like that.

What does the word ‘leitis’ mean? Interesting that the form first used in a chronicle in 1009 (in 1025?) was ‘Litua’, but in the Baltic languages the form ‘Lietuva’ is used now. I wonder why so. May be some phonetic processes?

Sun-like Dr. Jan Stankievich wrote the article about the name ‘Latvia’ in the Belarusian language. (Sun-like Dr. Jan Stankievich knew everything. ) At present in the literary language the [incorrect] form ‘Łatvija’ is used, but Belarusian peasants from the lands adjoining to Latvia use the word ‘Łotva’ (the first syllable is accented). The all-Belarusian word would be ‘Łatva’ (the second syllable would be accented). This word has the second meaning – ‘the noisy crowd’ because Latvians seemed a noisy crowd to Belarusians that didn’t understand their language. In this way Latvians presented us a new word!

[zemelmete]

Originally Posted by Whiteruthenian

What does the word ‘leitis’ mean? Interesting that the form first used in a chronicle in 1009 (in 1025?) was ‘Litua’, but in the Baltic languages the form ‘Lietuva’ is used now. I wonder why so. May be some phonetic processes?

Sun-like Dr. Jan Stankievich wrote the article about the name ‘Latvia’ in the Belarusian language. (Sun-like Dr. Jan Stankievich knew everything. ) At present in the literary language the [incorrect] form ‘Łatvija’ is used, but Belarusian peasants from the lands adjoining to Latvia use the word ‘Łotva’ (the first syllable is accented). The all-Belarusian word would be ‘Łatva’ (the second syllable would be accented). This word has the second meaning – ‘the noisy crowd’ because Latvians seemed a noisy crowd to Belarusians that didn’t understand their language. In this way Latvians presented us a new word!

"Leitis" in latvian language means lithuanian. Yes, it is older, more correct variant than "lietuvietis".
The explanation really could be phonetic processes. I know that in baltic languages diftong ei is older than ie. And diftong ei often transforms into ie. There are many examples in latvian and lithuanian languages which prove this. And leitis -->lietuvietis is one of these examples.
Regarding to word Latvija it is actually newly made word. Also word "latvieši" (latvians in latvian language) is new. Older form is "latvji" ("latvis" in single).

[Whiteruthenian]

I’ve found an interesting stuff according to which there were such words in Lithuanian:

gudas – a Belarusian
gudinimas – to impose the Belarusian way of life and Belarusian customs
gudinamasis – the person who imposes the Belarusian way of life, the language and customs
gudeti – to became Belarusian
gudejimas – accepting of the Belarusian spirit and way of life
gudiskumas – a word or an expression from Belarusian

If I were a Lithuanian, some of those words would sound rather gloomy to me.

Does anybody speak Lithuanian good enough to comment it? As far as I know they’ve chosen the (it seems) all-European way at present – they call us ‘Russians’ adding ‘white’ if front of that word. I wonder why they do it. It’s strange to invent a new word if you already have the necessary word in your language.

[SauliuS]

I am not sure, why there are two word gudas and baltarusas.
Gudas is pretty "old fashioned" and if i'am not mistaken it's only reffered to eastern belorussians...
Anyway, the name Lietuva probably came from lithuanian word "Lietus"(rain), although i'am not sure, i'll have to look in to this

[Llywarch Hen]

Originally Posted by Whiteruthenian

I’ve found an interesting stuff according to which there were such words in Lithuanian:

gudas – a Belarusian

Interesting... Might it be a dim memory from the times when the Goths were the most significant power to the south east of the Baltic peoples?

Great thread - I'll have to dig out my notebooks tomorrow and find the etymologies I have collected.

[Whiteruthenian]

Originally Posted by Llywarch Hen

Interesting... Might it be a dim memory from the times when the Goths were the most significant power to the south east of the Baltic peoples?

Great thread - I'll have to dig out my notebooks tomorrow and find the etymologies I have collected.

Academician Karski wrote in his “Belarusians” (1st book 1903): “The first ones (Lithuanians) call Belarusians Gudai, the second ones (Latvians) call them Guds, Belarus Guddu femme. A strange name. Probably it is the memory of Goths who used to live to the south from Lithuanians and to the west from Belarusians; they were replaced later by Belarusians.”

The same idea here. Probably there is something rational in it.

[Sohni]

Originally Posted by Ferran

LATVIA
There's not much dispute about when the word Latvia came into popular use; it was in the 19th century as Latvians started to exert a national identity. Before, the region was known variously as Lettland, Lotygola, Leththia and Lothwa, along with other variants.

I think Lotygola is a version of a historical region Latgale or Latgola - Latgale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Map of Latvia until end of 12th century: Latvian Balt tribes and Finnic Livs (green on most of the coast):

Estonians only started referring to themselves as eestlased (Estonians) during the Era of National Awakening in the 19th century. Before they simply referred to themselves as the country people—or maarahvas.

—CITY PAPER-The Baltic States

Maarahvas can be translated as "country people", but I think there's more connection with earth (maa can mean land, country, earth or planet Earth) - Estonia was and still is at some extent (poetically and among some nationalists) called Maavald - Earth Realm. So I think it would be more correct to translate maarahvas as earth people.

Originally Posted by zemelmete

In latvian language Estonia is Igaunija. The name comes from the name of finnic tribe ugaunians, which lived in southern part of Estonia and were neighbours of baltic tribes.

Ugaunians (est ugalased) were Estonians of Ugandi county. In latin texts the county name was written Ugaunia and that's where Latvians got the name for Estonia from
Finns call Estonia Viro after our historical county too - Viru or Virumaa.

Estonia until beginning of 13th century:

[kestutisturbo]

linguists suppose that the names - Latvia and Lietuva corresponds to differnet origin roots, but looking historically it's a nonsense

'Lettish, Letuva' must originate from the same word

[Whiteruthenian]

Originally Posted by SauliuS

I am not sure, why there are two word gudas and baltarusas.
Gudas is pretty "old fashioned" and if i'am not mistaken it's only reffered to eastern belorussians...

A map of some interest. There is no Baltarusija on it:

[Uogiene]

Originally Posted by Whiteruthenian

I’ve found an interesting stuff according to which there were such words in Lithuanian:

gudas – a Belarusian
gudinimas – to impose the Belarusian way of life and Belarusian customs
gudinamasis – the person who imposes the Belarusian way of life, the language and customs
gudeti – to became Belarusian
gudejimas – accepting of the Belarusian spirit and way of life
gudiskumas – a word or an expression from Belarusian

If I were a Lithuanian, some of those words would sound rather gloomy to me.

Does anybody speak Lithuanian good enough to comment it? As far as I know they’ve chosen the (it seems) all-European way at present – they call us ‘Russians’ adding ‘white’ if front of that word. I wonder why they do it. It’s strange to invent a new word if you already have the necessary word in your language.

Interesting thing - my grandparents, greatgrandparents used to call local Polish people 'gudas' too. I think it's because many lads of Belorussian heritage in Vilnius became Polish during the XIX-XXth century.