Equatorial Guinea
/ˌiː.kwəˈtɔː.ri.əl ˈɡɪn.i/noun
A country on the west coast of Central Africa, consisting of a mainland region and several islands.
Did you know?“Guinea” was first applied by Portuguese explorers to parts of the West African coast, while “Equatorial” was added to distinguish this Spanish colony from other regions called Guinea.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Antiquity
Latin
aequus
“Even, level, equal, or impartial”
Classical Latin
Latin
aequare
“To make equal or level”
16th Century
Latin
aequator
“That which makes equal; later, the celestial or terrestrial equator”
15th Century
Portuguese
Guiné
“A name used by Portuguese explorers for regions of the West African coast; its deeper origin is uncertain”
Early Modern Period
Spanish
Guinea Ecuatorial
“Equatorial Guinea, referring to a Guinea territory associated with the equator”
1968
Spanish/English
Guinea Ecuatorial / Equatorial Guinea
“The name adopted for the independent Central African country”
Explore more surprising origins