Greenland
/ˈɡriːn.lənd/noun
The world’s largest island, a territory of Denmark in the North Atlantic.
Did you know?The name is traditionally linked to Erik the Red, who is said to have chosen it to attract settlers, showing how a place-name could function like ancient propaganda.
Etymological Timeline
Old Norse
ON
Grœnland
“literally 'green land' or 'green country'”
10th Century
Old Norse
Grœnland
“the name given to the island in Norse sources, traditionally explained as a promotional name for settlement”
14th Century
Middle English
Greneland
“Greenland, the northern island”
Modern English
English
Greenland
“the standard English name of the island”