Kiama
/kaɪˈɑːmə/noun
A coastal town and municipality in New South Wales, Australia.
Did you know?Kiama’s famous blowhole helped make the place culturally and historically significant, but the popular translation of its name is not securely established.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-colonial period
Dharawal-related Indigenous languages
Kiama
“A traditional Indigenous place-name; proposed meanings include a place associated with loud sea sounds, but the original form and meaning are debated.”
19th Century
English
Kiama
“Colonial English records preserve the name for the coastal locality in New South Wales.”
1859
English
Kiama
“Kiama was incorporated as a municipality, formalizing the place-name in colonial administration.”
Late 19th Century
English
Kiama
“The name became widely associated with the town, surrounding district, dairy industry, and coastal landmarks.”
Modern English
English
Kiama
“A recognized Australian geographical proper noun, especially associated with the Kiama Blowhole and the South Coast of New South Wales.”