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{{for|the origin of the name of every Bulgarian administrative center|Etymological list of provinces of Bulgaria}}
'''[[Bulgaria]]n [[placename]] [[etymology]]''' is characterized by the linguistic and ethnic diversity of the [[Balkans]] through the ages and the position of the country in the centre of the region. While typical [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] placenames of [[Slavic languages|Slavic]] origin vastly dominate, toponyms which stem from [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Thracian language|Thracian]], [[Latin]] and [[Turkish language|Turkish]] can also be encountered.
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}

'''Bulgarian placename etymology''' is characterized by the linguistic and ethnic diversity of the [[Balkans]] through the ages and the position of the country in the centre of the region. While typical [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] placenames of [[Slavic languages|Slavic]] origin vastly dominate, toponyms which stem from [[Iranian languages|Iranian]], [[Turkic languages|Turkic]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Celtic language|Celtic]], [[Gothic language|Gothic]], [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Thracian language|Thracian]] and [[Latin language|Latin]] can also be encountered.


== Slavic placenames ==
== Slavic placenames ==


Slavic names account for the vast majority of toponyms on the territory of Bulgaria. Typical forms are:
Slavic names account for the vast majority of toponyms on the territory of Bulgaria. Typical forms are:
* with the neutral suffix ''-ово/-ево'' (''[[-ovo/-evo]]''). This suffix is probably the most widespread one in Bulgaria. Examples: [[Veliko Tarnovo]], [[Gabrovo]], [[Haskovo]], [[Pamporovo]], [[Sevlievo]].
* with the neutral suffix ''{{lang|bg|-ово}}/{{lang|bg|-ево}}'' (''{{lang|bg|-ovo}}/{{lang|bg|-evo}}''). This suffix is probably the most widespread one in Bulgaria. Examples: [[Veliko Tarnovo]], [[Gabrovo]], [[Haskovo]], [[Pamporovo]], [[Sevlievo]].
<!--
<!--
Complete list of articles about Bulgarian placenames ending with "-ovo/-evo" as of 31 August 2006:
Complete list of articles about Bulgarian placenames ending with "-ovo/-evo" as of 31 August 2006:


Boboshevo
* Boboshevo
Sevlievo
* Sevlievo
Radnevo
* Radnevo
Tsarevo
* Tsarevo
Bregovo
* Bregovo
Bratsigovo
* Bratsigovo
Oryahovo
* Oryahovo
Elhovo
* Elhovo
Buhovo
* Buhovo
Kirkovo
* Kirkovo
Haskovo
* Haskovo
Rakovskovo
* Rakovskovo
Belovo
* Belovo
Karlovo
* Karlovo
Dryanovo
* Dryanovo
Antonovo
* Antonovo
Veliko Tarnovo
* Veliko Tarnovo
Malko Tarnovo
* Malko Tarnovo
Popovo
* Popovo
Balgarovo
* Balgarovo
Madzharovo
* Madzharovo
Bolyarovo
* Bolyarovo
Gabrovo
* Gabrovo
Borovo
* Borovo
Panitsovo
* Panitsovo
Brezovo
* Brezovo
-->
* -->
* with the masculine suffix ''-ец'' (''-ets''). Examples: [[Pravets]], [[Borovets]], [[Kladenets]], [[Lyubimets]].
* with the masculine suffix ''-ец'' (''-ets''). Examples: [[Pravets]], [[Borovets]], [[Kladenets (disambiguation)|Kladenets]], [[Lyubimets]].
* with the feminine suffix ''-ица'' (''-itsa''). Examples: [[Gorna Oryahovitsa]], [[Dupnitsa]], [[Belitsa]], [[Koprivshtitsa]], [[Slivnitsa]], [[Perushtitsa]], [[Berkovitsa]], [[Kosharitsa]].
* with the feminine suffix ''-ица'' (''-itsa''). Examples: [[Gorna Oryahovitsa]], [[Dupnitsa]], [[Belitsa]], [[Koprivshtitsa]], [[Slivnitsa]], [[Perushtitsa]], [[Berkovitsa]], [[Kosharitsa]].
* with the suffixes ''-инци'' (''-intsi''), ''-овци'' (''-ovtsi''), and ''-ци'' (''-tsi''), which indicate the name, occupation or some other characteristic feature of the family or families that founded the settlement. Examples: [[Chiprovtsi]], [[Boychinovtsi]], [[Apriltsi]], [[Priseltsi]], [[Brusartsi]], [[Batanovtsi]].
* with the suffixes ''-инци'' (''{{lang|bg|-intsi}}''), ''-овци'' (''-ovtsi''), and ''-ци'' (''-tsi''), which indicate the name, occupation or some other characteristic feature of the family or families that founded the settlement. Examples: [[Chiprovtsi]], [[Boychinovtsi]], [[Apriltsi]], [[Priseltsi]], [[Brusartsi]], [[Batanovtsi]].
* with the suffix ''-град'' (''-[[grad (geography)|grad]]''), which is used for mediaeval fortified settlements and modern cities. -grad is a very common suffix in southern Bulgaria due to the widespread renaming of towns that carried Turkish or Greek names. Many towns now have names that follow the established pattern, but are dedicated to Bulgarian rulers, national heroes or prominent people, such as [[Botevgrad]] (formerly ''Orhanie''), [[Asenovgrad]] (formerly ''Stanimaka'') and [[Blagoevgrad]] (formerly ''Gorna Dzhumaya''). Other examples: [[Zlatograd]], [[Svilengrad]], [[Razgrad]].
* with the suffix ''-град'' (''-[[grad (geography)|grad]]''), which is used for mediaeval fortified settlements and modern cities. -grad is a very common suffix in southern Bulgaria due to the widespread renaming of towns that carried Turkish or Greek names. Many towns now have names that follow the established pattern, but are dedicated to Bulgarian rulers, national heroes or prominent people, such as [[Botevgrad]] (formerly ''Orhanie''), [[Asenovgrad]] (formerly ''Stanimaka'') and [[Blagoevgrad]] (formerly ''Gorna Dzhumaya''). Other examples: [[Zlatograd]], [[Svilengrad]], [[Razgrad]].
<!--
<!--
Svilengrad
* Svilengrad
Velingrad
* Velingrad
Zlatograd
* Zlatograd
Blagoevgrad
* Blagoevgrad
Botevgrad
* Botevgrad
Topolovgrad
* Topolovgrad
Ivaylovgrad
* Ivaylovgrad
Krumovgrad
* Krumovgrad
Asenovgrad
* Asenovgrad
Simeonovgrad
* Simeonovgrad
Dimitrovgrad
* Dimitrovgrad
Razgrad
* Razgrad
-->
* -->
* with the masculine suffixes ''-ник'' (''-nik'') and ''-чик'' (''-chik''). Examples: [[Pernik]], [[Balchik]], [[Belogradchik]], [[Melnik]], [[Breznik]].
* with the masculine suffixes ''-ник'' (''-nik'') and ''-чик'' (''-chik''). Examples: [[Pernik]], [[Balchik]], [[Belogradchik]], [[Melnik, Bulgaria|Melnik]], [[Breznik]].
* with the neutral suffix ''-ино'' (''-ino''). Examples: [[Ardino]], [[Nedelino]], [[Nevestino]].
* with the neutral suffix ''-ино'' (''-ino''). Examples: [[Ardino]], [[Nedelino]], [[Nevestino (disambiguation)|Nevestino]].
* with the masculine suffix ''-ен'' (''-en''). Examples: [[Pleven]], [[Sliven]], [[Kuklen]], [[Teteven]], [[Kiten]].
* with the masculine suffix ''-ен'' (''-en''). Examples: [[Pleven]], [[Sliven]], [[Kuklen]], [[Teteven]], [[Kiten (disambiguation)|Kiten]].
<!--
<!--
-en: Shumen?
-en: Shumen?
Line 61: Line 64:
-->
-->
* with the neutral suffix ''-ище'' (''-ishte''). Examples: [[Targovishte]], [[Bozhurishte]], [[Panagyurishte]].
* with the neutral suffix ''-ище'' (''-ishte''). Examples: [[Targovishte]], [[Bozhurishte]], [[Panagyurishte]].
* with other or without suffixes. Examples: [[Tran, Bulgaria|Tran]], [[Belene]], [[Dobrich]], [[Rudozem]], [[Sopot, Bulgaria|Sopot]], [[Beloslav]], [[Svishtov]], [[Razlog]], [[Troyan]], [[Vidin]], [[Byala Slatina]], [[Bankya]].
* with other or without suffixes. Examples: [[Tran, Bulgaria|Tran]], [[Belene]], [[Dobrich]], [[Rudozem]], [[Sopot (disambiguation)|Sopot]], [[Beloslav]], [[Svishtov]], [[Razlog]], [[Troyan]], [[Vidin]], [[Byala Slatina]], [[Bankya]].


Slavic names often appear in pairs, wherever two places were historically related, or happen to have the same name. Examples: [[Stara Zagora]] and [[Nova Zagora]] (old/new), [[Veliko Tarnovo]] and [[Malko Tarnovo]] (great/small), Gorni Bogrov and Dolni Bogrov (upper/lower).
Slavic names often appear in pairs, wherever two places were historically related, or happen to have the same name. Examples: [[Stara Zagora]] and [[Nova Zagora]] (old/new), [[Veliko Tarnovo]] and [[Malko Tarnovo]] (great/small), Gorni Bogrov and Dolni Bogrov (upper/lower).
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== Turkish placenames ==
== Turkish placenames ==


Turkish placenames were widespread in southern and northeastern Bulgaria. However, most of them were changed in the 20th century. Examples: [[Kardzhali]], [[Kazanlak]], [[Pazardzhik]].
Bulgaria was part of the [[Ottoman Empire]] for 500 years, and Turkish placenames were widespread in southern and northeastern Bulgaria. However, most of them were changed in the 20th century. Examples: [[Kardzhali]] (''Kırca Ali'', partially Arabic through Hebrew), [[Kazanlak]] (''Kazanlık''), [[Pazardzhik]] (''Pazarcık''), [[Kyustendil]] (''Köstendil''), [[Buzludzha]] (''Buzluca''). [[Hisarya]], [[Harmanli]] (''Harmanlı''), [[Dolni Chiflik]] (''Aşağı Çiftlik''), [[Dzhebel]] (''Cebel'').


== Greek placenames ==
== Greek placenames ==
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== Latin placenames ==
== Latin placenames ==


An amount of names from [[Ancient Rome|Roman times]] has also survived until today, many of them being Roman versions of former Greek or Thracian ones. Some Latin names had fallen into disuse long ago, but were revived in the 20th century. Examples: [[Montana, Bulgaria|Montana]], [[Lom, Bulgaria|Lom]] (a Slavicized version of Latin ''Almus''), [[Archar]] (a Slavicized version of Latin ''Raciaria''), Drastar (nowadays [[Silistra]]), derived from ''Durostorum'', [[Nikopol, Bulgaria|Nikopol]] and [[Nikyup]], derived from ''Nicopolis'', [[Dzherman]], derived from ''Germania'', etc. The old Bulgarian name for [[Sofia]], ''Sredets'', was also derived from ''Sardica'' (''Serdica'').
An amount of names from [[Ancient Rome|Roman times]] has also survived until today, many of them being Roman versions of former Greek or Thracian ones. Some Latin names had fallen into disuse long ago, but were revived in the 20th century. Examples: [[Montana, Bulgaria|Montana]], [[Lom, Bulgaria|Lom]] (a Slavicized version of Latin ''Almus''), [[Archar (disambiguation)|Archar]] (a Slavicized version of Latin ''Raciaria''), Drastar (nowadays [[Silistra]]), derived from ''Durostorum'', [[Nikopol, Bulgaria|Nikopol]] and [[Nikyup]], derived from ''Nicopolis'', [[Dzherman (disambiguation)|Dzherman]], derived from ''Germania'', etc. The old Bulgarian name for [[Sofia]], ''Sredets'', was also derived from ''Sardica'' (''Serdica'').


Some names of [[Romance languages|Romance]] origin date to later times and are ascribed to the [[Balkan Latin]] ([[Vlachs|Vlach]]) population, several examples being [[Vakarel]], [[Pasarel]], [[Banishor]], [[Gurgulyat]].
Some names of [[Romance languages|Romance]] origin date to later times and are ascribed to the [[Balkan Latin]] ([[Vlachs|Vlach]]) population, several examples being [[Vakarel]], [[Pasarel]], [[Banishor]], [[Gurgulyat]].
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== Other placenames ==
== Other placenames ==


There are a number of ancient placenames from other languages, including Thracian or Dacian, such as [[Plovdiv]], derived from ''Pulpudeva'' (itself derived from ''Philipoppolis''), [[German, Bulgaria|German]] and Celtic, such as [[Vidin]] from ''Dunonia'' and ''Bononia''.
There are a number of ancient placenames from other languages, including Thracian or Dacian, such as [[Plovdiv]], derived from ''Pulpudeva'' (itself derived from ''Philippopolis''), [[German, Bulgaria|German]] and Celtic, such as [[Vidin]] from ''Dunonia'' and ''Bononia''.


The placename [[Varna]] of the non-metathesized group CorC bears witness of [[Old Bulgarian]]'s preliterate period - or perhaps stemming from a more ancient [[Proto-Indo-European root]].{{Clarify|date=June 2011}}
The placename [[Varna, Bulgaria|Varna]] of the non-metathesized group CorC bears witness of [[Old Bulgarian]]'s preliterate period or perhaps stemming from a more ancient [[Proto-Indo-European root]].{{Clarify|date=June 2011}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Etymological list of provinces of Bulgaria]]
* [[Etymological list of provinces of Bulgaria]]
* [[Bulgarian toponyms in Antarctica]]
* [[Bulgarian toponyms in Antarctica]]
* [[List of Turkish exonyms in Bulgaria]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
* {{cite book|last=Чолева-Димитрова|first=Анна М.|title=Селищни имена от Югозападна България: Изследване. Речник|publisher=Пенсофт|location=София|year=2002|isbn=954-642-168-5|oclc=57603720|language=Bulgarian}}
* {{cite book|last=Чолева-Димитрова|first=Анна М.|title=Селищни имена от Югозападна България: Изследване. Речник|publisher=Пенсофт|location=София|year=2002|isbn=954-642-168-5|oclc=57603720|language=Bulgarian}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2011}}


[[Category:Bulgarian toponyms|*]]
[[Category:Bulgarian toponyms|*]]
[[Category:Geography of Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Place name etymologies]]
[[Category:Etymologies of geographic names]]
[[Category:Names of places in Bulgaria|Etymology]]

Latest revision as of 17:18, 27 January 2024

Bulgarian placename etymology is characterized by the linguistic and ethnic diversity of the Balkans through the ages and the position of the country in the centre of the region. While typical Bulgarian placenames of Slavic origin vastly dominate, toponyms which stem from Iranian, Turkic, Arabic, Hebrew, Celtic, Gothic, Greek, Thracian and Latin can also be encountered.

Slavic placenames

[edit]

Slavic names account for the vast majority of toponyms on the territory of Bulgaria. Typical forms are:

Slavic names often appear in pairs, wherever two places were historically related, or happen to have the same name. Examples: Stara Zagora and Nova Zagora (old/new), Veliko Tarnovo and Malko Tarnovo (great/small), Gorni Bogrov and Dolni Bogrov (upper/lower).

Nov, novi, nova, and novo (meaning "new") are also frequent, as many places were depopulated during Ottoman rule and later rebuilt. Examples: Novo Selo (9 villages are named thus), Novi Pazar. Nevertheless, the presence of "new" does not guarantee that the settlement has ever been destroyed — it may have been founded by settlers from another village who wished to retain the name, for example.

Turkish placenames

[edit]

Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire for 500 years, and Turkish placenames were widespread in southern and northeastern Bulgaria. However, most of them were changed in the 20th century. Examples: Kardzhali (Kırca Ali, partially Arabic through Hebrew), Kazanlak (Kazanlık), Pazardzhik (Pazarcık), Kyustendil (Köstendil), Buzludzha (Buzluca). Hisarya, Harmanli (Harmanlı), Dolni Chiflik (Aşağı Çiftlik), Dzhebel (Cebel).

Greek placenames

[edit]

There is a certain number of Greek names, mostly in southern Bulgaria along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, which stem from ancient poleis and towns. Examples: Ahtopol, Sozopol, Nikopol, Nesebar (a Slavicized version of the Hellenized Thracian name Menebria, later Messembria), Provadiya.

Latin placenames

[edit]

An amount of names from Roman times has also survived until today, many of them being Roman versions of former Greek or Thracian ones. Some Latin names had fallen into disuse long ago, but were revived in the 20th century. Examples: Montana, Lom (a Slavicized version of Latin Almus), Archar (a Slavicized version of Latin Raciaria), Drastar (nowadays Silistra), derived from Durostorum, Nikopol and Nikyup, derived from Nicopolis, Dzherman, derived from Germania, etc. The old Bulgarian name for Sofia, Sredets, was also derived from Sardica (Serdica).

Some names of Romance origin date to later times and are ascribed to the Balkan Latin (Vlach) population, several examples being Vakarel, Pasarel, Banishor, Gurgulyat.

Other placenames

[edit]

There are a number of ancient placenames from other languages, including Thracian or Dacian, such as Plovdiv, derived from Pulpudeva (itself derived from Philippopolis), German and Celtic, such as Vidin from Dunonia and Bononia.

The placename Varna of the non-metathesized group CorC bears witness of Old Bulgarian's preliterate period – or perhaps stemming from a more ancient Proto-Indo-European root.[clarification needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  • Чолева-Димитрова, Анна М. (2002). Селищни имена от Югозападна България: Изследване. Речник (in Bulgarian). София: Пенсофт. ISBN 954-642-168-5. OCLC 57603720.