Where did the Philippines get its name?

Answer 1

The name Felipinas was given to the islands by Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, a Spanish explorer in 1543 to honor Prince Philip of Asturias , who later became Philip II, King of Spain.

Felipinas later became the Filipinas during the Spanish colonial era.

Then it became Philippine Islands during the American colonial era then the Republic of Philippines after its independence.

There was no Philippines before the Spaniards came. The islands which now comprise the Philippines were separate states. It was during the Spanish regime that these islands were united to what is now called the Philippines.

Answer 2

The Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain, when the Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the islands in honor of the king in the 16th century.