New South Wales is called so because Captain James Cook named the region “New South Wales” during his 1770 voyage along Australia’s east coast. The name honors Wales, part of the United Kingdom, despite some uncertainty about Cook’s exact reasoning.
Captain Cook, born far from South Wales in Yorkshire, left no clear explanation for the name. Historians speculate various reasons. One idea is that the coastline reminded Cook of South Wales, inspiring the name. However, no direct evidence confirms this.
Another theory claims Cook wanted to honor Welsh crew members aboard his ship. Some suggest the name reflects common colonial naming trends, adding “New” to familiar British place names to mark new territories abroad. Before settling on “New South Wales,” Cook even considered just “New Wales.”
At the time of naming, Britain knew Wales for its mining skills, which fueled hopes of discovering minerals in the newly claimed land. This practical association may have influenced the choice.
Historically, after Cook’s claim in 1770, British settlement began in 1788 with Sydney as the first colony capital. The territory stretched beyond today’s New South Wales state, once covering areas now known as Queensland, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Yet, the original name persisted.
While geographic location played a role, the colony’s name likely combined honoring Wales and reflecting its position relative to Britain’s known lands.
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Origin | Named by Cook during 1770 exploration |
| Connection to Wales | Possible tribute to Wales or its miners |
| Geographic Reason | Location south of South Wales in UK, possible coastline resemblance |
| Alternative Theories | Random choice or crew honor; “New Wales” considered |
| Historical Expansion | Colony expanded but name remained |
- The name was chosen by Captain Cook in 1770 during his voyage.
- “New South Wales” honors Wales, known for mining expertise.
- Geographic resemblance to South Wales or colony positioning may have influenced the name.
- Other theories suggest random choice or crew homage.
- The colony’s name remained despite territorial expansions.
Why did Captain Cook name the area “New South Wales”?
Captain Cook named it to honor Wales in the United Kingdom. He and his crew chose the name during their exploration of Australia’s east coast in 1770.
Is there a clear reason behind the “South” in New South Wales?
The “South” possibly refers to the colony’s location south of South Wales in the UK. The exact reason remains uncertain and partly speculative.
Were there other naming options considered before “New South Wales”?
Cook considered the name “New Wales” at first. The final name might have been influenced by Welsh crew members or English colonial naming trends.
Does the geography of New South Wales resemble that of South Wales?
Some suggest the coastline or geography inspired the name, but no proven link exists. What Cook thought exactly is unknown.
Why has the name “New South Wales” remained despite boundary changes?
Though the colony expanded and other states formed, the original name stayed. It reflects the historical roots from Cook’s naming.
