Algarve
/ælˈɡɑːrv/noun
The southernmost region of mainland Portugal.
Did you know?The name preserves Arabic al-Gharb, a geographical label used during the Islamic period of Iberia, when the region formed part of al-Andalus.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ġ-r-b
“A root associated with setting, going away, or the west—where the sun disappears.”
Early Arabic
Arabic
ġarb (غرب)
“West; sunset; the direction of the setting sun.”
8th–13th Century
Arabic
al-Gharb (الغرب)
“The West, a name used for western territories of the Islamic world, including western al-Andalus.”
Medieval Period
Andalusi Arabic
al-Gharb
“The western region of al-Andalus, corresponding broadly to southern Portugal.”
Medieval Portuguese
Portuguese
Algarve
“The region inherited its name from the Arabic geographical designation.”
Modern English
English
Algarve
“The southern region of Portugal.”