Hebrides
/ˈhɛbrɪdiːz/noun
A group of islands off the west coast of Scotland.
Did you know?The name is ancient, but its exact origin is uncertain; classical writers recorded forms like Hēbrides/Hebudes for the islands, showing how place-names can survive long after their original meaning is lost.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek / Roman era
Greek
Ἑβρίδες / Ἑβούδες
“Recorded names for the islands off northwestern Britain”
1st Century CE
Latin
Hebudes / Hebrides
“Latinized geographical name for the island group”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Hebrides
“Established learned form for the Scottish islands”
Middle English
English
Hebrides
“Name used in English for the islands off western Scotland”
Modern English
English
Hebrides
“The island group in the Atlantic off the west coast of Scotland”