Europa
/jʊəˈroʊ.pə/noun
A name used for Europe, the continent, and for figures in Greek mythology.
Did you know?In Greek myth, Europa was a Phoenician princess carried off by Zeus, and her name was later reused for the continent, turning a personal myth into a geographic identity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Εὐρώπη (Eurṓpē)
“A mythological woman’s name, later the name of the western landmass known to the Greeks.”
Classical Antiquity
Greek
εὐρύς (eurýs) + ὤψ (ṓps)
“Commonly analyzed as “wide” + “face” or “eye,” suggesting “broad-faced” or “wide-gazing.””
Latin
Latin
Europa
“The Greek name adopted into Latin for the mythological figure and the geographic region.”
Old French
Old French
Europe
“The continent’s name in medieval Romance usage.”
Middle English
English
Europe
“The name of the continent in English.”
Modern English
English
Europa
“A mythological name, a moon of Jupiter, and a poetic or historical form associated with Europe.”