The origin of the current name of Cyprus
Ancient writers, present-day historians, philologists, linguists and other researchers have been arguing concerning the origin of the name of KYPROS (Cyprus). The most dominant interpretations are the following ones:
(a) From a plan, called kypros (henna). For a long time, it was believed that Cyprus obtained its name from a shrub called kypros of henna (Lawsonia alba.) Though this plant is native to North Africa, Arabia, Persia and India, it was never plethoric in Cyprus and even today scarcely this shrub can be found. It is unlikely that a relatively large island with a long history and a civilization dating back to a few millenia got its name from a non-native shrub.
(b) From a town of Cyprus name Kypros. According to Onorios and Isodoros, the name is due to a town lying between Kyrenia and Akanthou in the northern part of Cyprus. However, such a town has never been unearthed not has historically been ascertained that there was an important town by this name.
(c) From Kypris. A number of ancient writers use the adjective “Kypris” for Aphrodite, while Homer calls Aphrodite Kypris. Though a few writers underline that Kypros (Cyprus) owns its name to Kypris, nevertheless it is Kypris that has derived its name from Kypros, since Kypris was the Goddess of Kypros (Cyprus).
(d) From Kypros the son or daughter of Kinyras
(e) From copper. The Bronze period in Cyprus starts from 2500 B.C. and continues until 1050 B.C. During this period the production and exploitation of copper brought about a true revolution in everyday life and economy of Cyprus. Cyprus, on account of copper, became well known in the then known world. The strategic position of Cyprus and the production of copper made Cyprus a pole of attraction for the different countries of the world. Among those who were lured by the copper trade of Cyprus, were the Myceneans (Achaians), who settled in Cyprus in the 14th century B.C. and thereafter Hellenised the island. The name Kypros appeared not as late as the Homeric time (8th century B.C.). There is also another interpretation that copper took its name from Kypros (Cyprys).
Extract from the Touring Guide of Cyprus published by SELAS PUBLICATIONS
