The old name for Dominica, given by its indigenous inhabitants, the Kalinago people, was Waitukubuli.
The Indigenous Name: Waitukubuli
Before the arrival of Europeans, the island now known as Dominica was called Waitukubuli by the Kalinago people, its original inhabitants. This name reflects the deep connection between the Kalinago and their ancestral land.
From Waitukubuli to Dominica
The island was renamed Dominica by Christopher Columbus. He made landfall on the island on a Sunday, and thus named it "Dominica," which is Latin for Sunday.
While Columbus renamed the island, the Kalinago successfully resisted early efforts of Spanish colonization. However, from the 1600s onwards, the island became a point of contention between the British and French, who battled each other and the Kalinago for control and claim over the territory.
Here's a quick overview of the names:
| Historical Name | Given By | Significance/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Waitukubuli | Kalinago | The original indigenous name for the island. |
| Dominica | Columbus | Renamed because landfall was made on a Sunday. |
