The country known today as Georgia was originally called Sakartvelo (საქართველო) by its native people.
The Indigenous Name: Sakartvelo
The term Sakartvelo directly translates to the "land of Kartvelians," referring to the ethnic Georgians themselves. This native designation has deep historical roots, tracing back to the core central Georgian region of Kartli.
Origins and Historical Context
The name Sakartvelo is not a recent coinage but an ancient identifier with significant historical weight, highlighting the nation's self-perception:
- Derivation: It is derived from Kartli, a pivotal region in central Georgia that historically formed the heartland of the Georgian state. The people inhabiting this land were known as Kartvelians.
- Early Records: The name Sakartvelo was recorded as early as the 9th century.
- Wider Adoption: Prior to the 13th century, this name was extensively used to refer to the entire medieval Kingdom of Georgia, signifying a unified national identity long before its recognition by Western names.
Key Aspects of the Name
For a quick overview, the table below summarizes the core elements of Georgia's original name:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Native Name | Sakartvelo (საქართველო) |
| Meaning | 'Land of Kartvelians' – referring to the Georgian people. |
| Origin Point | Derived from Kartli, the core central Georgian region. |
| Historical Use | Recorded from the 9th century; in extended usage, it referred to the entire medieval Kingdom of Georgia prior to the 13th century. |
For more comprehensive information on the history and etymology of Georgia, you can refer to its Wikipedia page.
