The Origin Of The Name “Azores”

The Origin of the Name “Azores”: History, Theories, and Legends

Por Kanō Naizen - Kobe City Museum

Namban depiction of a Portuguese carrack – by Kanō Naizen – Kobe City Museum

The name Azores has intrigued historians, geographers, and travelers for centuries. Although the archipelago was officially discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, the true origin of its name remains a subject of debate. Several credible historical theories have emerged over time, supported by academic research, early chronicles, and cartographic records. Alongside these explanations, local legends have added mystery and symbolism to the name.

The most widespread theory: the hawks that never lived here

The most popular explanation links the name Azores to the sighting of hawks (açores) by the first Portuguese explorers. Chroniclers such as Gaspar Frutuoso reported that early navigators believed they had found islands populated by large birds of prey similar to the hawks found in mainland Portugal.

However, modern ornithological studies have proven that the true hawk (Accipiter gentilis) never existed in the Azores. Instead, the bird commonly seen by the explorers was the buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi), an endemic subspecies unique to the archipelago. This misidentification is now considered the most plausible explanation for the origin of the name.

A linguistic theory: ancient meanings of “açor”

Some historians propose a linguistic origin rooted in archaic Portuguese or Latin terms, possibly associated with rugged terrain, cliffs, or elevated landforms, all dominant features of the Azorean landscape.

There are also references to potential indirect Arabic linguistic influences, which are common in Iberian toponymy. However, no solid documentary evidence confirms this theory, making it a secondary hypothesis discussed mainly in academic circles.

Ancient maps and the Azores before official discovery

old map refeering the Azores

Atlas Catalão (c. 1375, Cresques Abraham), Source: Biblioteca Nacional de França
(CF)

Several medieval maps predating the 15th century depict islands in the North Atlantic labeled with names resembling Azores, Azur, or Açor. These cartographic records have led some scholars to suggest that the name may have existed before the official Portuguese discovery, possibly derived from earlier maritime legends or navigational traditions.

Nevertheless, historians widely agree that there is no evidence of human settlement in the Azores before the Portuguese, meaning these references remain speculative and cartographic rather than historical.

Azorean legends: birds, mist, and enchanted islands

Like many Atlantic regions, the Azores developed a rich body of oral legends. One recurring tale describes mystical islands hidden in mist, guarded by powerful birds that guided or misled sailors at sea. In other stories, the “hawks” symbolized guardianship, protection, and abundance.

While these legends lack historical validation, they are an important part of the Azorean intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the deep bond between the islands, the ocean, and the unknown.

A name shaped by nature, history, and imagination

Today, the most widely accepted explanation for the name Azores remains the mistaken identification of buzzards as hawks by early explorers, supported by historical and scientific sources. Still, alternative theories and traditional legends enrich the story, giving the name Azores a meaning that goes beyond geography — one deeply rooted in nature, exploration, and cultural memory.