indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Political Subdivision & Settlement
Usage Coast Salish, English
Scripts Snuneymuxw
Other Forms FormsSnuneymuxw
Meaning & History
The name "Nanaimo" comes from the Hul’q’umi’num’ word Snuneymuxw, referring to the Snuneymuxw First Nation, whose traditional territory includes the area. The meaning is sometimes interpreted as "a great people" or "gathering place."