How did the Canary Islands get their names?

Answer 1

The Canary Islands name is derived from the Latin term Insula Canaria, meaning 'Island of the Dogs'. It is thought the dogs were the now extinct Monk Seal whose Latin name translates as 'sea dog'.

Answer 2

The Canary Islands are believed to have been named after wild dogs, known as "canes" or "canarii," that were found on the islands by the first settlers. The Romans later referred to the islands as the "Canariae Insulae," meaning "Islands of Dogs."

Answer 3

The Canary Islands were named for dogs, real or otherwise, the Latin name Canariae.