1820: Île-de-France Dec 9, 2019

The greater region around Paris in France is called 'Île-de-France' or literally "Island of France". However, no one is totally sure where this name comes from, and it's definitely not an island. It may be a reference to being between the Oise, Marne, and Seine, though it may also have been a reference to 'Île de la Cité' where the royal palace and cathedral are located. It is not uncommon to name a region after a smaller part of it.

Support Word Facts at patreon.com/wordfacts

Previous
Previous

1821: 'Istanbul' and the Byzantines Dec 10, 2019

Next
Next

1819: Possessive 'S in Veterans Day Dec 8, 2019