Person
Albuquerque
New Mexico (NM)est. 1706pop. 561,008/AL-buh-kur-kee/
The meaning
“White oak (albus quercus) — or 'land of the cork oak'”
How it got the name
Founded in 1706 and named for the Viceroy of New Spain, the Duke of Alburquerque. The Spanish town behind the ducal title is usually explained from Latin albus quercus, 'white oak.' The first r was quietly dropped in the 19th century, reportedly by a railroad stationmaster tidying up a sign.
Disputed / alternate theory
An Arabic derivation, abu al-qurq ('father of the cork oak'), is also argued, reflecting the region's Moorish past.
Former names
- Alburquerque
- Villa de Alburquerque
- Albuquerque