1. As a name for the United States:
* Christopher Columbus: This is the most common and widely accepted origin. After Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas, the name "Columbia" became associated with the New World.
* Latin: "Columba" is Latin for "dove," and doves were often associated with peace and discovery. Some believe the name was inspired by this symbolism.
2. As a female name:
* Latin: The name Columbia is a feminine form of "Columbus," which itself comes from the Latin word "columbus" meaning "dove." It's important to note that the name Columbia was popularized in the US after it became associated with the country.
3. As a geographical name:
* River and District: The Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest of the United States is named after the British explorer Captain Robert Gray, who named it in 1792 after the ship he commanded, the "Columbia Rediviva." The surrounding area was then named the Columbia District.
In summary:
* "Columbia" as a name for the United States originates primarily from the name of Christopher Columbus.
* "Columbia" as a female name is a variant of "Columbus," drawing inspiration from the Latin word "columba" (dove).
* "Columbia" as a geographic name (river, district, etc.) primarily comes from the ship "Columbia Rediviva" commanded by Captain Robert Gray.