Origin of the name “Haiti”: a footprint of the Taino
Before the arrival of Europeans, the island we know today as Haïti was inhabited by the Taino, an indigenous people with a rich culture and language.
- A Taino name: In the Taino language, “Ayiti” means “land of high mountains” or “mountainous country”.
- Description of the island: This term perfectly reflected the geography of the island, marked by impressive mountain ranges and lush nature.
For the Tainos, the name “Ayiti” represented their connection to the land and their way of life in harmony with nature.
