Origin of the Name "Bermuda": Multiple Theories

The etymology of Bermuda is debated. Leading theories:

• Spanish "bermudas" – "Green islands," describing the archipelago's lush appearance from sea.
• Saint Bermudus – A venerated Spanish monk; Juan de la Cosa's 1500 map labels them "isla de bermuda."
• "Islas del Diablo" (Devil's Isles) – Early sailors' name for the treacherous reefs.
• Arabic "Al-Bardawiyyun" – Possibly linked to 12th-century geographer Al-Idrisi.
• Portuguese navigator Gaspar Corte-Real – May have named them after his ship Santa Maria de la Bermuda (1503).

The name "Bermuda" first appeared officially on Alberto Cantino's 1510 world map.