How did the Amazon rainforest get its name?

The Amazon rainforest was named after the Amazon River. The river was named after the Amazon women warriors from Greek mythology. In 1500, Spanish explorer Vicente Yáñez Pinzón named the river Río Amazonas after hearing stories from the indigenous people about fierce women warriors who lived in the region. These women were said to be similar to the mythical Amazon women of ancient Greek mythology. The women were warriors, like the Amazons of Greek legend, and were described by early explorers as being tall, strong, and skilled archers.