Malta
/ˈmɔːl.tə/noun
An island country in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy.
Did you know?Ancient Greek writers called Malta Melitē, traditionally connecting it with honey, yet scholars debate whether the name actually comes from Greek or an older Phoenician source.
Etymological Timeline
1st Millennium BCE
Phoenician
𐤌𐤋𐤈 (Mlṭ)
“A recorded ancient name associated with the island; its exact meaning and pronunciation remain uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Μελίτη (Melítē)
“The Greek name for Malta; it was associated by ancient writers with Greek meli, “honey.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
μέλι (méli)
““Honey,” the word behind the traditional Greek interpretation of Melítē.”
Roman Period
Latin
Melita
“The Latin name for the island, inherited from Greek usage.”
Medieval Period
Arabic
مَلِطَة (Maliṭah)
“An Arabic form of the island’s name, reflecting its continued use under Muslim rule.”
Modern English
English
Malta
“The modern English form of the country’s name; its ultimate origin is still debated.”
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