The ancient name of the city known today as Gilgit was Sargin.
The historical record indicates that the city initially bore the name Sargin. Over time, this name evolved, and the city later became known as Gilit. According to local accounts and usage, the city is still sometimes referred to as Gilit or a combination of the old and later names, Sargin-Gilit, by people in the area.
Local communities maintain variations of the name in their native languages:
- Speakers of the Khowar and Wakhi languages refer to the city as Gilt.
- In the Burushaski language, the city is called Geelt.
These different names reflect the rich linguistic and historical layers of the Gilgit region.
To summarize the historical and local names:
| Name | Period/Usage |
|---|---|
| Sargin | Ancient Name |
| Gilit | Later Name |
| Sargin-Gilit | Still used locally |
| Gilt | Used by Khowar/Wakhi speakers |
| Geelt | Used by Burushaski speakers |
Understanding these various names provides insight into the city's long history and its significance to the diverse communities that inhabit the region.
