Umbria
/ˈʌmbriə/noun
A region of central Italy, historically associated with the ancient Umbri people.
Did you know?Ancient Greek writers called the Umbri “Ombrikoi,” while Roman tradition portrayed them as one of Italy’s oldest peoples; however, the name’s true origin remains disputed.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Roman period
Umbrian
Umbrī
“The Umbri, an ancient Italic people of central Italy; the ultimate meaning of the name is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ὄμβροι (Ómbroi)
“Greek form used for the Umbri people.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Umbri
“The Umbri, an ancient people of Italy.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Umbria
“The territory inhabited by, or associated with, the Umbri.”
Medieval period
Italian Latin
Umbria
“The regional name preserved in ecclesiastical and administrative usage.”
Modern English
English
Umbria
“A region of central Italy, east of Tuscany and north of Lazio.”
Explore more surprising origins