Surinamese
/ˌsʊrɪnəˈmiːz/noun
Relating to Suriname or its people, or a person from Suriname.
Did you know?The origin of “Suriname” is disputed; historical theories connect it variously with the Indigenous Surinen people or an Indigenous place-name, but no explanation is universally accepted.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Spanish
Suriname
“Early European form of the name for the region and river; its Indigenous source is uncertain.”
17th Century
Dutch
Suriname
“Dutch colonial name for the territory in northeastern South America.”
17th Century
Dutch
Surinamer
“A person associated with Suriname; an early Dutch demonym.”
Latin / Medieval French
Latin/French
-ensis / -ese
“A place-forming suffix meaning “of or from a particular place,” ultimately used in English demonyms.”
Modern English
English
Surinamese
“Relating to Suriname or its people; a person from Suriname.”
Explore more surprising origins