Bizkaia
/bis̻ˈkai.a/noun
The Basque name for Biscay, a historical territory and province of northern Spain.
Did you know?Bizkaia’s ultimate etymology remains disputed: the popular connection with Basque bizkar, “back” or “ridge,” is plausible but not universally accepted by scholars.
Etymological Timeline
Early Medieval Period
Basque
Bizkaia
“The native Basque form of the territorial name; its original internal meaning is uncertain.”
8th–9th Century
Latin
Bizcagia / Vizcagia
“Early medieval written forms associated with the territory, preserved in Latin documentary traditions.”
10th Century
Latin
Bizcaya
“A documented medieval form of the regional name.”
Medieval Period
Old Romance
Biscaya
“Romance-language development of the name, with spelling influenced by medieval Romance orthography.”
Modern Period
Spanish
Vizcaya
“The Spanish name for the territory and province.”
Modern English
English
Biscay
“The conventional English form, also used in the name Bay of Biscay.”