Why is Quebec called Quebec?

Quebec City, the charming capital of the Canadian province of Quebec, has a name that carries a rich history, reflecting the convergence of indigenous heritage, French colonization, and the evolution of Canadian identity. The etymology of “Quebec” takes us on a journey through time and culture, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past and the evolution of its name.

The name “Quebec” finds its roots in the Algonquin (Anishinaabe) language, which was spoken by indigenous people in the region long before European settlers arrived. In Algonquin, “Quebec” referred to a strait, and this designation had profound geographic significance. Quebec City is strategically located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River, and Cape Diamant forms a natural strait, making it an ideal location for defending access to the Saint Lawrence within the North American continent. It was this geographical advantage that led Samuel de Champlain to choose this location for the foundation of Quebec City in 1608.

In the 16th century, when Jacques Cartier explored the region, a different indigenous nation (the identity of which is still debated among historians) inhabited the area and had a village known as Stadaconé, which was also their name for the region. Later, when the French city was established, the indigenous people began referring to it as “Kupek.”

The city of Quebec and its surroundings have a rich indigenous history, with different indigenous nations leaving their linguistic and cultural imprints on the region long before European settlers arrived.

The name of the state, however, followed a distinct trajectory. For many years, the region was not known as Quebec but rather as the Royal Province of Canada, which was a colony under the umbrella of New France. The name “Quebec” itself did not come into prominent use until the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Interestingly, the choice of the name Quebec in this proclamation was somewhat last-minute and was intended to diminish the association with the term “Canada,” which was strongly linked to France and all things French during that time.

However, the term “Quebec” was not widely used for a long period. The American Revolution saw rebels in Boston campaign in “Canada” in 1775, not specifically in “Quebec.” The Articles of Confederation, in Article 11, invited “Canada” to join, not “Quebec.” In 1791, the region was renamed “Lower Canada,” and the name “Province of Quebec” became increasingly obscure. It wasn’t until after 1867, when a province named “Quebec” was established within the Canadian federation, that the term “Canada” slowly began to detach itself from the French reality, both in terms of people and territory.

Before the 1950s, Quebecers did not commonly use the term “Quebec” to refer to themselves. This began to change in the 1950s as the traditional identity of “Canadians” started to lose its relevance. The Alliance laurentienne (1957) and earlier groups like Jeunes-Canada in the 1930s proposed alternative names such as “Laurentie” and “Laurentiens” but with limited success. The term “Québécois,” on the other hand, gained popularity, in part due to its adoption by the Parti québécois in 1968 and the influence of the song “Québécois” by the band La Révolution française in 1969. This shift in identity reflected modernity and progress, while “canadien-français” was associated with backwardness.

Today, there is still some ambiguity regarding the term “Quebec” when referring to the inhabitants of the city itself, especially in English. However, in French, this ambiguity is less pronounced. The name “Quebec” for the state has always been an exonym, not a product of Quebecers’ own identity. Some lament that the name “Lawrencian” might have been a better choice, given its strong geographic connection to the region.

It’s noteworthy that in more recent legislation enacted by the National Assembly, the state is often referred to as “l’État du Québec” rather than simply a “province.” This subtle distinction reflects the unique status and cultural significance of Quebec within Canada.

The name “Quebec” is a fascinating blend of indigenous roots, French colonization, and the evolution of Canadian identity. It represents a historical and cultural tapestry that adds depth and meaning to this vibrant and historic city. While its origins may be traced back to a simple Algonquin word for a strait, the name “Quebec” has become synonymous with a rich and complex heritage that continues to shape the identity of this remarkable city and province.