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The name "Australia" is derived from the Latin term Terra Australis meaning "land of the south". Right from the time of the ancient Greeks, the term Australisdenoted the south or the southern part of the world.

Spaniard sailor Pedro Fernández de Quirós (in Portuguese Fernandes de Queirós), searched for this new land in 1606 while serving in the navy,mand called it Austrialia del Espíritu Santo, literally meaning 'Austria of the Holy Spirit'. The word "Austrialia", slightly different from the current "Australia", was a mixture formed by "Austria" and "Austral" ("Southern"). In those times the current nations of Spain and Portugal were under the rule of the same crown. The word Austrialiawas intended to be a compliment to King Phillip III of Spain who was a member of the House of Habsburg (Austria).

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Q: What is the name Australia derived from?
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Is Australia a greek word?

No. The name Australia is derived from the Latin "Australis", meaning 'south'.


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Kirilee is a popular girls name in Australia of aboriginal origin. It is probably derived from the Kirilee lakes in South Australia.


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No. It is derived from the Latin word for 'southern'.


What is the name Australia derived and what does it mean?

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Australia is actually derived from the latin Australis, meaning "Southern". The first recorded use of this word was in English and was actually in 1625. So Australia although being derived from Latin, is really an English word.


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What is the meaning of the word Australia?

Australia comes from the Latin Australis meaning 'of the South'.the word means happy and joyful loving and caring but also adventures


What is the origin of the word Australia?

Australia is derived from the latin Australis, meaning "Southern"


Did Captain Cook name Australia?

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