Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world, is located in the countries of Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. It is a significant source of food and water resources for millions of people and is an essential key point of economic growth for the region. It is also one of the most diverse lakes in the world, with over 300 species of fish in its vast waters.
The lake is believed to have been named after the British monarch, Queen Victoria. The lake was discovered by British explorer John Hanning Speke in 1858, who named it Lake Victoria based on his lady in waiting, the naturalist and historian James Grant, referring to “the Queen’s great headland,” a sheltered bay in the lake.
Despite its long history, it is still unclear exactly how the lake was named after the British monarch. Historians and experts make the following claims about how the area got its name.
Legend
One popular legend states that the lake was named after the Queen by her footman, Joseph Thompson, after his trip to the area in 1816. According to the legend, when they reached the lake, they decided to consult the local here who advised them to name it after the Queen. After the story spread, the name ‘Lake Victoria’ became the accepted title.
However, it is believed that the here had no knowledge of who Queen Victoria was and that the name was only attributed to her after Thompson’s death. Despite this, the legend has endured and continues to contribute to the mystery.
Political
Another theory suggests that the name was given to the lake primarily for political reasons. At the time of Speke’s discovery, the area was the center of European exploration and the lake was a strategic route for trade. Thus, it is believed that Speke wanted to honor the British monarch to curry favor from the government, which could help in his grant applications and gain access to the lake.
Furthermore, Speke was also eager to find curiosities to submit to the Royal Society, as he was a member, and increased trade was a primary factor in the discovery of exotic specimens. Therefore, it is plausible that awarding the area a royal name served to support his expedition.
Altruism
Speke may have intended on the lake’s name to serve as a mark of his personal clarity towards Queen Victoria, who had granted him permission to take the voyage in the first place.
After naming the lake, Speke wrote to the Queen and asked her to grant him a portion of the lake’s waters. It is also possible that he intended on granting her the lake as a token of his gratitude for her patronage. Therefore, he may have named the lake after the Queen in a show of admiration and gratitude.
Local History and Lore
The local history of the area provides some insight into the context of the area’s name. It is believed that the area was called Nalubaale by the locals, referring to the abundance of fish in the area. Therefore, it is likely that the local people named the lake after the British Queen, in order to gain recognition and accolade from the colonial powers of that time.
Royal Allegiance
The naming of the lake is also believed to have been a move to show the Queen’s loyalty to the British crown. By honoring her with the name, the locals hoped to gain favor and win over the Queen’s support. Thus, the act of giving the area the Queen’s name supported their allegiance to the Crown.
Symbolism
It is also believed that the name was chosen to pay respect to the power of the reigning monarch. It was also seen as an act of homage to the Queen’s reign, as a recognition of her influence on the region. By naming the lake after her, the local people sought to show their admiration and respect for their monarch.
Conclusion of Name
Regardless of whether the lake was named for political or personal reasons, or simply as a symbolic gesture, it is clear that the naming of Lake Victoria was an act of admiration and respect. The name will continue to stand as a reminder of the Queen’s greatness and power, and of the importance of Lake Victoria to the people of the region.
