Australia was previously known by several names, most notably New Holland and Terra Australis.
Before the name "Australia" was officially adopted for the entire continent, the landmass and the conceptual southern continent were referred to by different names, reflecting various stages of exploration and geographical understanding.
New Holland: The Dutch Legacy
The western half of the continent was first extensively charted by Dutch navigators in the 17th century. As a result, this vast land was named New Holland (Latin: Nova Hollandia). This name appeared on maps for centuries, predominantly referring to the western and northern coasts explored by the Dutch.
Even after British colonization began in 1788 with the establishment of a penal colony at Port Jackson, the name New Holland was retained for several decades, particularly for the western parts of the continent, while the eastern part became known as New South Wales.
Terra Australis: The Mythical Southern Land
Long before European explorers confirmed the existence of a southern continent, ancient geographers hypothesized a massive landmass in the Southern Hemisphere to balance the land in the Northern Hemisphere. This conceptual continent was known as Terra Australis Incognita, meaning "Unknown Southern Land."
The term Terra Australis (Southern Land) continued to be used broadly, and interestingly, the name "Australia" itself is a shortened form of this Latin term. It was a general descriptor for the presumed southern polar continent.
The Transition to 'Australia'
The move towards unifying the continent under the name "Australia" gained momentum in the early 19th century. Matthew Flinders, a British navigator who circumnavigated the continent, advocated strongly for the name "Australia" over "New Holland." He believed it was more fitting given the continent's distinct identity and its connection to the ancient concept of Terra Australis.
By the 1820s, "Australia" became increasingly common, and by the 1840s, it was firmly established as the official name for the entire continent, replacing both New Holland and the broader Terra Australis concept in common usage for this specific landmass.
Summary of Former Names
Here's a quick overview of the key names associated with the Australian continent prior to its current designation:
| Former Name | Origin / Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Holland | Dutch exploration (17th century) | Primarily referred to the western part of the continent; retained for several decades after British colonization. |
| Terra Australis | Latin for "Southern Land" (Ancient/Medieval concepts) | A hypothetical great southern continent; the name 'Australia' is a shortened form of this term. |
