How did island maldives get its name?

The name "Maldives" itself has undergone various changes over time. In ancient Indian scriptures, such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the islands were referred to as "Manidweepa" or "Manipavati," meaning "Holy Land."

In Arabic and Persian texts, the Maldives were commonly known as "Dhibat-al-Mahal" or "Mahal Dibiyyat," which translates to "group of islands." The Europeans, during the Age of Exploration, often referred to the islands as the "Laccadive Islands," as they were geographically associated with the neighboring Indian archipelago, Lakshadweep.

With the establishment of the Maldivian monarchy and the conversion of the country to Islam in the 12th century, the name "Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa," which means "Republic of Maldives" in Dhivehi, became the official name of the nation.

Today, the name "Maldives" remains the most commonly recognized international designation for the island country.