Malawi
/məˈlɑːwi/noun
A landlocked country in southeastern Africa, formerly known as Nyasaland.
Did you know?The name Malawi replaced Nyasaland at independence in 1964 and is commonly linked to the Maravi kingdom, whose name may have been associated with flames or reflected sunlight on Lake Malawi.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 16th Century
Local Bantu languages
maravi
“A historical regional or kingdom name; its deeper meaning is uncertain.”
16th–18th Century
Portuguese records
Maravi
“The name used for a powerful kingdom and surrounding region in southeastern Africa.”
19th Century
English
Lake Nyasa
“The lake and region were commonly identified by the name Nyasa, probably meaning “lake” in a local language.”
1891
English
Nyasaland
“The British protectorate established around Lake Nyasa.”
1964
English
Malawi
“The newly independent country adopted Malawi as its official name.”
Modern English
English
Malawi
“The modern name of the southeastern African nation.”