Who Named Nova Scotia? John Cabot, 1497

The name "Nova Scotia" (Latin for "New Scotland") was first applied by the Venetian explorer John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) during his 1497 voyage under the English flag.

Historical Context

• 1497: Cabot lands on North American coast (likely Newfoundland or Cape Breton). He claims the territory for King Henry VII of England.
• Name Origin: "Nova Scotia" appears on early 16th-century maps (e.g., 1529 Ribeiro map) for the region. The name reflects the Scottish connection—later formalized by Sir William Alexander's 1621 royal charter granting "New Scotland" to Scottish settlers.
• Not a Scottish Crown claim in 1497: Cabot sailed for England; the Scottish colony attempt came 120+ years later.

Subsequent History

• 1621: King James I/VI grants "Nova Scotia" to Sir William Alexander; baronets created to fund settlement.
• 1629: Short-lived Scottish colony at Port Royal (Annapolis Royal).
• 1713: Treaty of Utrecht cedes mainland Nova Scotia to Britain; Cape Breton (Île Royale) remains French until 1758.
• 1867: Nova Scotia becomes a founding province of Canada.

So, while Cabot coined the geographic label in 1497, the political entity "Nova Scotia" evolved through Scottish and British colonial projects.