Honduras’ name was given by Vicente Yanez Pinzon and Juan Diaz de Solis in 1508, it most likely originated in the castilianization of Huntulha, and it refers to the watery coast and not to the deep sea. The territory was also called Higueras, Guaymuras and Cabo de Honduras.

Honduras Official Name

Although “Honduras” was named after [Central American] Independence in 1821, the official name was given and formalized on May 8, 1862 by the House of Representatives, in the city of Santa Rosa de Copan. In this respect, the Decree No. 3 indicates that “the House of Representatives, considering its authority and duty to institute the name the nation will bear, proceeding in line with the political status that belongs to it, attending the principles unfolded in the charter, has seen fit to decree and decrees: Article No. 1: The name of all towns that form the State, including its adjacent islands, will henceforth be the Republic of Honduras.”

Taken from “Honduras Geográfica”, an El Heraldo newspaper supplement. First Edition.