Why is Rio de Janeiro Called Rio de Janeiro? – Origin

Etymology & History

Rio de Janeiro means 'River of January' in Portuguese. The name was given by Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos in January 1502, when his expedition entered Guanabara Bay. Mistaking the large bay for the mouth of a great river, they named it 'Rio de Janeiro' — the January river. The error became permanent, giving the city its famous and somewhat misleading name.

Meaning

"January river (or bay)"

Location

Country	Brazil
Region	21
Population	6,747,815
Language of origin	Portuguese
Type of name	Geographic feature

Etymology & History

Rio de Janeiro is a ppla located in 21, Brazil. With a population of approximately 6,747,815, it is one of many communities whose name tells a story about the region's past.

Understanding why places are named as they are gives us a window into history — the languages spoken, the people honoured, the landscapes encountered and the cultures that shaped the world we live in today. The field of toponymy (the study of place names) reveals that almost every name has a meaning, even when that meaning has been obscured by centuries of linguistic change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Rio de Janeiro called Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro means 'River of January' in Portuguese. The name was given by Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos in January 1502, when his expedition entered Guanabara Bay. Mistaking the large bay for the mouth of a great river, they named it 'Rio de Janeiro' — the January river. The error became permanent, giving the city its famous and somewhat misleading name.

What is the linguistic origin of the name Rio de Janeiro?

The name Rio de Janeiro has its roots in Portuguese.

How old is the name Rio de Janeiro?

The age of a place name is often difficult to determine precisely. Many names predate written records entirely — they were passed down orally for centuries before being first recorded. In the case of Rio de Janeiro, the name likely dates from the period of first significant settlement in the area, which may be medieval, colonial or even ancient depending on the region's history.

The Origin of the Name "Rio de Janeiro"

Etymology & History