Origin of the Name America: Historical Insights

Jul 2, 2024

Origin of the Name America

Historical Context

  • Debate on whether America was named after Amerigo Vespucci or from another source.
  • Reference to a book: "Works of 1888 through 1902" by Thomas Lambert.

Key Points from the Book

  • Voyages Misattribution:
    • Spanish voyages published as Voyages of Vespucci.
    • Leaves with editor's names removed.
    • Pinzon's discovery omitted from maps after 1505.
    • Errors in maps, referring to the name "Tamarika" meaning "Rich".

Columbus's Voyages & Editions

  • Albert vs. Amerigo:
    • University professor from Venice edited editions of Columbus's voyages under "Albert Vespusius" and "Americus Vesputius".
    • Albert's name changed to Amerigo post-1505.

Manuscript Evidence & Name Origin

  • Value of Manuscripts:
    • Arago's conclusions: cautious of using new/unauthenticated manuscripts for historical evidence.
    • Existing evidence suggests the controversy over the origin of the name "America".
  • America's Naming:
    • 1504 attempts to create the impression Vespucci discovered America.
    • Native names: "Ida Maraca" or "Land of Morocco".
    • Proposition to name the New World after Vespucci started in 1507.
    • Indications of the name's indigenous roots.

Indigenous Origins

  • Corrections in Misinterpretations:
    • Claims that "America" comes from a mountain or tribe named "Americas Siamba" in Nicaragua.
    • Comparisons with name "Jamaica" (meaning "High/Great Vespucci").
    • Vespucci as a colored man, possibly black European.
  • Spanish Corruption:
    • "America" as a Spanish corruption of "America" or "Hamaraka".
    • Evidence from native names and terms for regions.

Further Details on Indigenous Tribes

  • Columbus's mentions of "Varagua," with no early indication of the name "America" until post-1524.
  • Discoveries in France and America:
    • Noted that the Nicaraguans indicated "Americas" rather than "America."
    • Research dating back to Frances M. Makus in France and America.

Conclusion

  • Emery Sketch Tribe:
    • origin of the name America attributed to this black tribe.
    • Discussions on other tribes in Brazil, South & Central America branching from the Emery tribe.

Next Steps

  • Further exploration of the Emery Sketch Tribe.
  • Detailed descriptions and historical breakdown of their origin and influence.

Peace. [Applause]