It seems that everything in Italy bears the name of someone, the typical propensity for family ties is well expressed by the use of names that contain an older and truer name. Let's start with the Italian regions, all born from a character or a family that gave them the name.
The name Abruzzo derives from the medieval Latin “Aprutium”, used to designate a county that corresponded to today’s “Contado di Teramo”. This term seems to be connected to the pre-Roman people of the Pretuzi, who inhabited the territory before the arrival of the Romans. The history of Abruzzo is therefore intertwined with its ancient origins and the populations that settled there.
Basilicata takes its name from the Greek “basilikos,” meaning “royal” or “imperial.” This term was used to indicate imperial officials in Byzantine constituencies. The region, once known as Lucania, has an etymological origin that could refer to the Lucanian people, or to Latin and Greek terms that evoke images of sacred groves or wolves.
The term Calabria, in Roman times, initially referred to the Salento peninsula. The origin of the name could date back to pre-Indo-European Mediterranean roots meaning “rock”. Over time, the definition has expanded to include the entire current region, following political and territorial changes.
Campania takes its name from the Campani, a people dedicated to agriculture. The term derives from “campus,” meaning “open field,” suggesting fertile and productive land. The region is also known as “Terra di Lavoro,” in reference to its agricultural tradition.
The name Emilia comes from the Via Aemilia, a road built by Marco Emilio Lepido. Romagna, on the other hand, derives from “Romania”, indicating a territory inhabited by the Romans, and its history is intertwined with the period in which the region was under the control of the Exarchate of Ravenna.
Friuli derives from “Forum Iulii”, the Latin name for Cividale, founded by Julius Caesar. Venezia Giulia is a term coined in the 19th century to designate the areas inhabited by Italians under Austrian rule, reflecting the complex political dynamics of the region.
Lazio, from the Latin “Latium”, takes its name from the Latin people. The toponym suggests a vast and flat land. There are also legends that connect the name to the god Saturn, who took refuge in the region.
The term Liguria derives from the pre-Roman people of the same name, the Ligurians. The origins of this name are uncertain and could be Celtic or Mediterranean. The Ligurians are among the first populations of which there is a trace in Italian history.
Lombardy derives from the Latin “Langobardia”, which means “land of the Lombards”, a Germanic population who invaded Italy in the 6th century AD. Initially, the territory was larger, including several areas under Lombard rule.
The name Marche refers to a frontier territory and dates back to the Early Middle Ages, when the region was on the edge of Charlemagne's empire.
The name Molise originates from a medieval toponym, probably Latin, linked to a Norman county. Its connection with the Molise Castle highlights the historical importance of the region.
The term Piedmont derives from the expression “at the foot of the mountains”, referring to the geographical position of the region with respect to the Western Alps.
Puglia derives from the pre-Roman toponym “Apulia”, which in turn is linked to the indigenous term *Iapudia. This name reflects the ancient cultural and linguistic roots of the region.
Sardinia derives from the Latin “Sardinia”, associated with the ancient inhabitants of the island, the Sardinians. The origins of the name are uncertain, but could derive from the Shardana, a people mentioned by the ancient Egyptians.
Sicily takes its name from the Siculi people, originally from central Italy. The island was also inhabited by the Sicani, probably of Iberian origin. The Latin term “Siculus” has lost, over time, its ethno-linguistic meaning to become a simple geographical designation.
Tuscany comes from the Latin “Tuscania”, linked to the Etruscans, a pre-Roman population that inhabited the region. The term reflects the cultural and historical heritage of the Etruscans.
Trentino derives from “Tridentinus”, an adjective of Tridentum (Trento). Alto Adige refers to the upper course of the Adige River, highlighting the geography of the province.
Umbria derives from the Umbri people, part of the Italic populations. The origin of the name is shrouded in mystery, but there are suggestions that connect it to ancient legends.
The Aosta Valley takes its name from the city of Aosta, which was known in Roman times as Augusta Pretoria Salassorum, highlighting its historical past.
Veneto derives from the ancient people of Veneti, whose origins are Indo-European. The name could mean “beloved” or “friendly,” reflecting the welcoming nature of this region.
These etymologies not only reveal the origins of the names of the Italian regions, but also offer an insight into the history and cultural influences that have shaped Italy over the centuries.
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