Comments (Meaning / History Only)

I wish people didn't imagine that etymologists "dream up" name origins out of their heads. The name Africa was used in Ireland from at least the 11th century as a form of Aifric - there is no conceivable connection with the name of the continent.
How could Africa be an anglicisation of Aifric? I wonder what genius etymologist thought up that. The name Africa was obviously given in reference to the continent. I must stress that Africa is not an Irish name, though Aifric is.
Quite late. Like @Betty Blue said above your comment, you don't seem to understand how anglicization works. This name IS an anglicization of Aifric. Etymologists did not "dream this up," and this is an Irish and Scottish name, too.
Ive also seen it spelled Affrica meaning 'pleasant, or pleasing personality'.

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