Algonquin (English)

Where does "Algonquin" come from?

The English name 'Algonquin' comes via Canadian French 'algonquin' from the earlier form 'algoumequin'[1]. This term likely derives from either the Maliseet 'elakómkwik', meaning 'these are our relatives', or the Mi'kmaq 'algoomeaking', meaning 'at the place of spearing fish and eels'[1].

Open questions

• The exact source between the Maliseet and Mi'kmaq terms is uncertain. [1]

Full etymology tree

• Algonquin (English), 'The language spoken by the Algonquins, a transitional language between Ojibwe and Abenaki.'
  • borrowed algonquin (Canadian French)
    • derived algoumequin (Canadian French)
      • derived elakómkwik (Maliseet-Passamaquoddy)

Ancestors

• algonquin (French)

Descendants and derived words

• South Algonquin (English)

Sources

1. Algonquin (English) - Wiktionary

Updated August 2026

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Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris