Brisbane was originally known as Meanjin. This ancient name was used for many thousands of years by the Turrbal people, one of the two principal local First Nations groups, alongside the Jagera people, who inhabited the area now known as Brisbane.
Historical Names of Brisbane
The history of Brisbane's naming reflects its rich and multi-layered past, from its deep Indigenous roots to its colonial settlement.
Meanjin: The First Name
For millennia, the land that became Brisbane was the ancestral home of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. They knew the area, particularly the site of the modern city, as Meanjin. This name, meaning "place of the spiky ground" or "place shaped like a spike" (referring to the sharp curve of the Brisbane River), signifies the profound connection of the First Nations people to their land, embodying their deep understanding of its geography and features.
The cultural significance of Meanjin extends beyond a mere name; it represents thousands of years of continuous culture, tradition, and stewardship by Australia's Indigenous peoples.
Edenglassie and Brisbane
Following Meanjin, the area received another name during the early stages of European colonization: Edenglassie. This name was proposed by John Oxley, Surveyor-General of New South Wales, around 1840, combining "Eden" with a reference to "Glasgow" (his birthplace). However, this name did not endure.
Ultimately, the settlement was named Brisbane in honor of Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales from 1821 to 1825. This name, given to the river in 1823 by explorer John Oxley, was later applied to the settlement itself.
The progression of names highlights the significant shifts in the region's history:
| Name | Period / Context |
|---|---|
| Meanjin | Thousands of years, by First Nations peoples (Turrbal and Jagera) |
| Edenglassie | Early colonial proposal (circa 1840), not widely adopted |
| Brisbane | Named after Sir Thomas Brisbane (Governor of NSW), established as a penal colony then a free settlement |
Understanding these historical names provides a deeper appreciation for the land's original custodians and the journey of its development into the modern city it is today. For more interesting facts about Brisbane's history, you can explore resources like 12+ Facts About Brisbane You (Probably) Didn't Know.
