Anthroponyms as a component of French colonial place names

Abstract

This study examines colonial place-naming practices in the French colonial empire at the beginning of the twentieth century. The primary focus is on toponyms that contain anthroponymic elements such as Cap Saint-Jacques or Fort Gustave. Previous research has shown that all European colonial powers had used this naming pattern. The analysis is based on a colonial atlas from the early twentieth century, allowing for a comprehensive geographical overview. The article addresses questions as to the geographical entities named, regional differences, and the individuals who played a role in the naming of colonized spaces.