Saint Lucia: The Only Country Named After a Woman

• Saint Lucia is the only country named after a woman.
• The island is named for St Lucy of Syracuse, a real person.
• Originally called Louanalao by the Indigenous Arawak people.
• French sailors named it Sainte Alousie on St Lucy’s feast day.
• Queen Victoria is honored in locations worldwide, unlike American women.
• Very few places in the USA are named after women.

The Unique Naming of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia holds a fascinating distinction in the realm of global geography: it is the only sovereign nation named after a woman. This unique honor is attributed to St Lucy of Syracuse, who was a real historical figure. She became the patron saint of the blind and is honored for her commitment and sacrifice during the fourth century CE. Unlike many places that borrow names from myth or history, Saint Lucia’s name is a direct tribute to a significant woman.

Historical Context of the Island’s Name

Historically, the island was first called Louanalao, which means ‘Island of the Iguanas’, by its original Arawak inhabitants back in around 200 CE. It wasn’t until the year 1502 that the soldiers who landed on the island—a group of shipwrecked French sailors—began calling it “Sainte Alousie”. They apparently arrived on December 13, which is celebrated as St Lucy’s feast day, leading to the formal adoption of her name for the island. The Spanish utilized the name “Sancta Lucia” around 1511, followed by subsequent colonizers shaping the name into the form we recognize today. The British and the French alternately claimed the land, each leaving their mark on the island’s identity.

Women Vs. Geography Naming Conventions

While it might seem like a simple naming decision, the rarity of nations honoring women in this way is telling. In contrast, many geographic locations bear the name of Queen Victoria across the globe, signaling her impact during her reign from 1837 to 1901. Examples include the provincial capital of British Columbia in Canada and iconic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Interestingly, in the United States, very few locales are named after women. Apart from Clara Barton in Kansas and Virginia Dare in North Carolina, the trend continues to demonstrate how male figures dominate geographical naming conventions. This makes Saint Lucia’s situation even more notable.

In summary, Saint Lucia stands alone as the only nation named after a woman, commemorating St Lucy of Syracuse. The island’s journey from its original Arawak name to its current title reflects a rich history of colonization and reverence. While female namesakes are scarce in geographical nomenclature, Saint Lucia’s identity uniquely celebrates a historical woman, marking a significant achievement in the global context.