The Origins of the 5 Ocean Names
Have you ever wondered how the oceans got their names? Although all of Earth’s oceans are connected, each one has a unique name with an interesting history behind it.
How Did the Oceans Get Their Names?
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean (the largest) was named by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520. He was leading a fleet of ships from Spain, in search of a western route to the Spice Islands. In late November, his three remaining ships sailed into what Magellan described as a “beautiful, peaceful ocean.” Its name became Pacific, from the Latin word for peaceful.
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is named after the Greek mythological figure Atlas, who was said to be strong and to carry the world on his back.
The Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean, once called the Antarctic Ocean, surrounds the continent of Antarctica and was renamed in 1999. This ocean’s large, strong, circumpolar current carries 150 times more water than all of the world’s rivers combined. When it flows near the strong currents in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, it mixes with their waters. The Southern Ocean’s fierce winds and storms, sea ice, and icebergs have made its waters the least explored in the world. Its currents, sea ice, and cold waters can affect the climate everywhere.
The Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean (the smallest) is named for the region around the North Pole. The word “arctic” comes from the ancient Greek arktos, or bear, for the bear constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, which include Polaris, the North Star.
The Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is named for the subcontinent of India, the name of which in turn comes from the Indus River. Early Persian explorers could not properly say the “s” in sindhu, the Sanskrit word for “river.” Their pronunciation of “hindu” later became “indos” and “indus” to invading Greeks and Romans, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many oceans are there?
There are five oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic.
Who named the oceans?
Explorers, ancient civilizations, and geographers named the oceans based on myths, landmarks, and geographic locations.
Why is the Pacific Ocean called peaceful?
Explorer Ferdinand Magellan named it “Pacific” because its waters appeared calm during his voyage.
Is the Southern Ocean a new ocean?
Yes, it was officially named in 1999 and surrounds Antarctica.
Learning how the oceans got their names helps us better understand Earth’s history, exploration, and geography.
Did any of these origin stories surprise you? Which one is your favorite?
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