The direction north is called "north" because of its ancient linguistic roots, which relate it to the concept of "left" when facing the rising sun.
The Etymological Origin of "North"
The word "north" has a fascinating history tracing back thousands of years through language evolution.
According to etymological studies, the English word "north" originates from the Old High German word nord. Both of these terms ultimately descend from the Proto-Indo-European linguistic unit *ner-.
Understanding the Connection: "Left" and the Rising Sun
The key to understanding why *ner- meant "left" or "below" and came to signify north lies in the practice of ancient peoples orienting themselves by the position of the sun.
- Facing the Rising Sun: To determine direction, early cultures often faced the east, where the sun rises.
- Identifying Directions: When facing east, south is to your right, and north is to your left.
- The Meaning of *ner-: The Proto-Indo-European root *ner- held the meaning of "left" or "below". Since north was to the left when facing the rising sun (east), the term associated with "left" naturally evolved to mean the northern direction.
This linguistic connection demonstrates how our ancestors used fundamental points of reference, like the sun's path, to define and name the cardinal directions.
| Orientation Point | Direction Named by *ner- | Associated Meaning of *ner- |
|---|---|---|
| Facing the East | North | Left |
Similarly, the names for other cardinal directions (south, east, west) also have etymological links related to the sun's position or path.
In Summary
The name "north" is a direct descendant of an ancient word meaning "left" or "below," reflecting how people historically oriented themselves by facing the sunrise. When facing east, north is located to the left.
