Memphis
/ˈmɛm.fɪs/noun
An ancient city in Egypt, once a major political and religious center.
Did you know?The name Memphis comes from the ancient Egyptian Men-nefer, the name of a pyramid complex and city that later became one of Egypt’s most important capitals.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egyptian
Egyptian
Men-nefer
“The name of a pyramid complex and city, meaning something like 'enduring and beautiful' or 'established and perfect'.”
Late Egyptian
Egyptian
Menfe
“A later Egyptian form of the city name.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Μέμφις (Mémphis)
“The Greek name for the Egyptian city.”
Latin
Latin
Memphis
“The Roman form of the Egyptian city name.”
Modern English
English
Memphis
“The established English name for the ancient Egyptian city.”