In Abee to Zama City, read about the fascinating history behind the names of Alberta’s cities, towns, villages, and hamlets through the eyes of renowned author and historian Harry Sanders.
Abee to Zama City is designed to both entertain the curious and educate serious etymologists, providing a revealing portrait of Alberta’s past, but also an in-depth reference. Sanders’ in-depth research answers several questions for each community:
Where is it located?
What is the origin of the name?
Who named it?
If the name has changed over time, why?
The toponomy of Alberta is a reflection on its history, from Indigenous people, through early explorers and the railway era to more modern times. Alberta itself is named for the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. Other place names are:
Indigenous in origin. Okotoks means “Big Rock” for a nearby glacial erratic.
Descriptive. As charming as Sunnynook and as simple as Beaver Crossing.
For people. Including the first alphabetical entry in this book, Abee, a spelled out initial name.
From other places. Including Banff, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Literary in origin. Thorhild was named for the Norse god of strength.
Manufactured names. Irricana is a combination of irrigation and canal.
Misspellings. Kathryn was misspelt by the original town painter and is now Kathyrn.
