Before it was simply known as Angola, the region was referred to by the Portuguese as the Reino de Angola, which means 'Kingdom of Angola'. This name was established during the early period of Portuguese colonial rule.
The Origins of the Name
The name Reino de Angola itself has deep historical roots, derived from a significant local title. The Portuguese adopted the term from ngola, a prestigious title held by the kings who ruled the powerful pre-colonial kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba. These kingdoms were prominent political entities in the region long before the full establishment of Portuguese control.
The formal designation of Reino de Angola first appeared in historical records as early as the 1571 charter issued by Paulo Dias de Novais, a Portuguese explorer and colonizer. This charter marked a pivotal moment in the region's history, solidifying the Portuguese colonial presence and the widespread use of the name that would eventually evolve into modern-day Angola.
Etymological Breakdown
To better understand the evolution of the name, consider the following breakdown:
| Term / Name | Origin/Context | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ngola | Pre-colonial title | A title held by the kings of the Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms. |
| Reino de Angola | Portuguese colonial name | 'Kingdom of Angola', derived from the title ngola. |
| Angola | Modern name | The contemporary shortened form, evolving from Reino de Angola. |
This historical progression illustrates how the name of the modern nation of Angola is intrinsically linked to its indigenous past and the subsequent period of Portuguese colonization.
