How did Montreal get its name?

There are two main theories about how Montreal got its name.

1. Mount Royal

The most popular theory is that Montreal was named after Mount Royal, a mountain that overlooks the city. The name "Mount Royal" comes from the French words "mont" (mountain) and "royal" (royal). It is believed that French explorer Jacques Cartier named the mountain in 1535 after King Francis I of France.

2. Ville-Marie

Another theory is that Montreal was named after Ville-Marie, a settlement that was founded on the island of Montreal in 1642. The name "Ville-Marie" comes from the French words "ville" (city) and "Marie" (Mary). It is believed that the settlement was named after the Virgin Mary.

The name "Montreal" was first used in 1611 on a map of North America by Samuel de Champlain. The name quickly became the most common name for the city.