September 27, 2018
Where Does the Word Niagara Come From?
It is believed that Niagara is a derivative of the Iroquoian word, “Onguiaahra”, which was anglicized by missionaries. The name appears on maps as early as 1641. The generally accepted meaning is, “The Strait”. Some think it was derived from the narrow waterway that flows north from Lakes Erie to Lake Ontario. Early maps do not refer to the Niagara River but the Niagara Strait, which is more correct.
Others believe the word Niagara is taken from another native word meaning, “Thundering Waters”.
Another theory of the name's origin suggests Niagara is derived from the name given to a local group of Aboriginals, called the Niagagarega people.
Regardless, wherever the word comes from, Niagara is another word for anything powerful. Hopefully, we all agree.
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I've thought all my life that the falls were named upon the Niagara Ravine in my land, Tenerife, Canary Islands.
Maybe, a Spanish explorer coming from Tenerife was the one to name it.
The Niagara Ravine received that name long before the falls
Yours, Eduardo de Andrés
That's very interesting about the 2 different places called "niagara"! And they are quite far apart from each other. I wonder now if the word origin is Indigenous or does it actually come from the invading colonists... if you come accross more info on either place name, please let us know!
Very nice. It is one of the coolest places on earth.
Very Good,......!!!......... THANKS!,.....