Type Region, Country & Island

Meaning & History

From Portuguese Guiné, which is of unknown meaning, possibly of Berber origin. This name was used by the Portuguese to refer to a portion of western Africa. It was also applied by westerners to the island of New Guinea starting in the 16th century. It is now the name or part of the full name of the countries of Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea and Papua New Guinea.

Related Names

Other Languages & CulturesGuinee(Dutch) Guinée(French) Guiné(Portuguese)
Entry updated February 4, 2020