Caspian
/ˈkæsp.i.ən/noun
Relating to the Caspian Sea or the regions around it.
Did you know?The sea’s name ultimately comes from the Caspi, an ancient people mentioned by classical writers, and the word has nothing to do with an English root—just a fossilized tribal name preserved by history.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greece
Greek
Κάσπιοι (Káspioi)
“The Caspi, an ancient people near the southeastern Caucasus or southwestern Caspian region.”
Classical Latin
Latin
Caspii
“Latinized name for the Caspi people.”
Late Latin / Medieval Geography
Latin
Mare Caspium
“The Caspian Sea, named for the Caspi.”
Middle English
English
Caspien / Caspian
“Pertaining to the Caspian Sea or its surrounding lands.”
Modern English
English
Caspian
“Relating to the Caspian Sea or the broader Caspian region.”
Explore more surprising origins