How did Lithuania get its name?

Answer 1

The name comes from Latgalians - one of the Latvian pre-christian tribes that are now part of modern Latvian nation living in Latgale region, albeit with quite strong accent (some rank it as a regional language). Other pre-christian Latvian tribes are Couronians, Semigallians and Selonians

Answer 2

One theory is that the modern name of Estonia originated with the Roman historian Tacitus, who in his book Germania (ca. 98 AD) described a people called the Aesti.

On the other hand, ancient Scandinavia sagas refer to a land called Eistland, close to the Danish, German, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian term Estland for the country. Early Latin and other ancient versions of the name are Estia and Hestia.

Esthonia was a common alternate English spelling prior to independence.

Answer 3

Scientists aren't sure so far, but there are some theories. "Lietuva" reffer to:

• Litovnija - the land of seaside translated from (I don't know) language
• Litus - seaside
• Lietuva - lėtųjų kraštas - Lithuania is the land of slower ones
• Lietava - the river in Lithuania
• Lietis - join, unite
• Lietuva - there was a soldiery