The name "Mount Everest" was officially given by The Royal Geographic Society in 1865.
The Story Behind the Name
The naming of Mount Everest is a story involving several key figures and organizations. Here's a breakdown:
- Surveyor General Andrew Waugh: He was the British Surveyor General of India who recommended the name "Mount Everest" to honor his predecessor.
- Sir George Everest: He was the previous Surveyor General of India after whom the mountain was ultimately named. While he did not discover the mountain, his work in surveying the Indian subcontinent was significant.
- The Royal Geographic Society: This prestigious society officially pronounced the name "Mount Everest" in 1865, based on Waugh's recommendation.
Why "Everest"?
- Honoring a Pioneer: The name was chosen to recognize Sir George Everest's important contributions to the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India.
- Survey Work: It's important to note that neither Waugh nor Everest discovered the mountain, but rather their surveying work helped accurately measure its height.
| Organization | Action |
|---|---|
| Andrew Waugh | Recommended the name "Mount Everest." |
| The Royal Geographic Society | Officially adopted "Mount Everest" as the mountain's name in 1865. |
| Sir George Everest | Honored by having the mountain named after him |
In Summary
The official name "Mount Everest" was not given by a single person, but rather it was a decision made by The Royal Geographic Society, following the recommendation of Andrew Waugh, to honor Sir George Everest. The reference states: The Royal Geographic Society subsequently pronounced the official name "Mount Everest" in 1865 based on the recommendation of Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India. Sir George Everest was Waugh's predecessor in the post of Surveyor General.
