Yakutsk
/jəˈkʊtsk/noun
The capital city of the Sakha Republic in northeastern Siberia, Russia.
Did you know?The people commonly called Yakuts call themselves Sakha, while “Yakut” is generally understood as a name transmitted into Russian through neighboring Tungusic languages, though its ultimate origin remains uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 17th Century
Sakha
Саха (Sakha)
“The Sakha people’s own name for themselves; the ultimate relationship between Sakha and Yakut is disputed.”
Early Modern Period
Evenki
yako / yakō
“A form traditionally linked with the exonym later rendered in Russian as Yakut; the precise source and meaning are uncertain.”
17th Century
Russian
якут (Yakut)
“A Russian name for a member of the Sakha people, adopted during Russian expansion into northeastern Siberia.”
17th Century
Russian
Якутский острог (Yakutskiy ostrog)
““Yakut fort”; the Russian settlement and fortified outpost associated with the Yakut region.”
17th–18th Century
Russian
Якутск (Yakutsk)
“A place-name formed from Yakut plus the Russian adjectival and place-name suffix -ск, meaning a settlement associated with the Yakuts.”
Modern English
English
Yakutsk
“The standard English name of the city, famous for its exceptionally severe subarctic winters.”