Columbia v. Colombia: A grammar and history lesson

Day 1,444, 07:06 • Published in USA USA • by Morrigan Alexandros

I often see people write Columbia to refer to the South American Country instead of COLOMBIA. Let's discuss the differences since it is one of my biggest pet peeves.

Colombia is a country in South America. It was first explored in 1499 by Spanish Explorers. The area was named the Viceroyalty of New Granada.



In 1819, after declaring independence, they adopted the name of the Republic of Colombia, in honor of the explorer Christopher Columbus.




On the other hand, there is Columbia.

Columbia is a poetic name which basically means, Land of Columbus. It was used as the feminine representation of the United States in the 1730s.

I bet you have all seen this iconic picture below.


This is Columbia. The feminine representation of the United States.

There are other ways the Columbia name is used.


Washington, D.C.


Columbia University


The sportswear company Columbia.


Film Production Company


and on and on and on. But the country is definitely Colombia, with no u.

Find your own Columbia.