Interesting question..?

Question

So, we were learning about diferent spanish-speaking places and one of them was Cuernavaca, Mexico. So I was like, "Woah! 'Vaca' is in it! Isn't that like 'cow' or something?" And so yeah. My question is this...does "vaca" in the name have anything to do with it..or is it just a coincidence that 'cow' is in the name..? Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

The name "Cuernavaca" is derived from the Nahuatl phrase Cuauhnahuac, and means "surrounded by or close to trees." The name was eventually Hispanicized to Cuernavaca because the Spanish could not pronounce the Nahuatl name. The coat-of-arms of the municipality consists of a tree trunk with three branches with foliage, and four roots colored red. There is a cut in the trunk in the form of a mouth, from which emerges a grey swirl.[5]

Cuernavaca, Mexico

Wonderful explanation. So much better than my "cow's horns"!!! - Pajaro44, JUN 9, 2010

Answer 2

"cuerna" means "horn" and "vaca" means "cow". Essentially, the place is called "Cowhorn"

good answer. - Sam-Skold, JUN 9, 2010

Answer 3

cuerna [coo-err’-nah]

noun

1.. A horn vessel, not which cows or goats are milked. (f)

2.. Stag’s or deer’s horn. (f)

3.. Sportsman’s horn. (f)

This is what I got for "cuerna" in the SpanishDict dictionary.

If that is combined with "vaca" to make "cuernavaca", my guess is that "Cuernavaca" means cow's horn. However, that's just my guess. Someone else may have a better explanation.

"not which cows or goats are milked"??? - geofc, JUN 9, 2010

I have no idea what this means. It was, however, in the SpanishDict dictionary translation. Perhaps I should send a PM to Paralee or ??? What do you think??? - Pajaro44, JUN 9, 2010