Zambian
/ˈzæm.bi.ən/noun
Relating to Zambia or its people.
Did you know?Zambian is a demonym formed from Zambia, and Zambia’s name is tied to the Zambezi River, whose own name comes from a local river name recorded by Portuguese explorers.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-colonial
Bantu
*Zambezi
“The river name that later became central to the region’s identity.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Zambeze
“Portuguese recorded form of the river name.”
19th Century
English
Zambia
“Name adopted for the territory, derived from the Zambezi River.”
20th Century
English
Zambian
“A person from Zambia; relating to Zambia.”