Colombia, a country with a rich history and cultural diversity, is home to many cities whose names reflect their indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. From the Andean highlands to the Caribbean coast, each city’s name tells a story about its founding, geography, or the people who first inhabited the area. The origins of these names are a fascinating glimpse into the country’s complex past. Let’s explore the stories behind the names of eleven Colombian cities.
The origins of Colombia’s main city names
Bogota: Named after Bacata, the chief of the Muisca indigenous group, who ruled the area before Spanish colonization. The city’s name is a testament to the region’s indigenous heritage and the legacy of the Muisca people, who were known for their advanced agricultural practices and goldworking skills.
Armenia: Founded in 1889 and named after the nation of Armenia, in honor of the Armenian immigrants who settled in the area. The city’s name recognizes their contributions to the region’s coffee industry and cultural landscape. Many early settlers chose names from biblical towns for their new settlements, reflecting a common practice of the time.
Cali: Derived from the Paez indigenous word “llalli” meaning “river of the cane fields” or “beautiful land.” The city’s name captures the natural beauty of the Cauca Valley, where the city is located, and the abundance of sugarcane fields that once dominated the region’s economy.
Medellin: Founded as Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Medellin in 1614, the city was named after the Spanish town of Medellin, Extremadura. The city’s name honors the Virgin of Candlemas, the patron saint of the city, and reflects the Spanish influence on the region’s culture and architecture.
Barranquilla: Possibly derived from the indigenous Taino word “barranca,” meaning “hill” or “ravine.” The city’s name may also be related to the nearby Magdalena River, which played a crucial role in the city’s development as a major transportation hub.
Cartagena de Indias: Named after the Spanish city of Cartagena, with de Indias added as a reference to its geographic location. When the city was named, Spanish and European explorers thought they had reached India. When they realized that it was not India, but a completely different continent, they named the region the Western Indias. It was only later that it became known as the Americas. Cartagena de Indias’ position as a major port and strategic trading center during the Spanish colonial era, also earned it the nickname “La Heroica” (“The Heroic”).
Cucuta: Derived from the indigenous word “kukuta” meaning “place of the sun.” The city’s name captures the region’s sunny climate and natural beauty, as well as its rich cultural heritage, which includes the famous Cucuta Festival of the Sun.
Pereira: Named after Francisco Pereira Martinez, a powerful Colombian landowner and lawyer who had taken refuge in the city after the Battle of Cachiri during the independence war against Spain. The city’s name recognizes the contributions its founder made to the region, particularly in terms of its coffee industry and economic growth.
Valledupar: Named after the indigenous leader (or “cacique”), Upar, who ruled the valley before Spanish colonization. The city’s name reflects its stunning natural surroundings, including the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and the fertile valleys of the Cesar River.
Santa Marta: Founded in 1525 as Villa de Santa Marta de la Antigua del Nuevo Reino de Granada, the city was named after Saint Martha, its patron saint. The city’s name honors Saint Martha’s hospitality and generosity and reflects the warm welcome that visitors have always received in this coastal city. It is the oldest surviving city in Colombia.
Bucaramanga: The name of this city is derived from the Indigenous word “bucaramanga,” composed of two Guane language roots, “Bukaru” meaning “brave” or “valiant”, and “manga” referring to a place or territory, translating to “land of the brave” or “land of the warriors”. This name honors the courage and resilience of the indigenous people who first inhabited the area, as well as the city’s role as a hub for commerce and innovation.
Related: Five Facts About Colombia You Might Not Know, The Foreign Origins of Colombia’s City Names