Did you know that Penang (the ‘Island of the Betel Nut) could be so-called because its shape resembles that fruit of the areca tree? Over 8,000 entries give the history, meanings, and origins of names from all over the world, making this a unique guide for geographers, linguists, travellers, and historians. Worldwide coverage includes names originating from hundreds of different languages. Includes details of former place names, and the reasons why they were changed..