Here's a breakdown of its evolution:
* "Róþs": This Old Norse word refers to the "rowers" or "people who row", likely referencing the Viking Varangian warriors and traders who played a significant role in early East Slavic history.
* "Rus'": This word became the name for the territory ruled by the Varangians, eventually encompassing the areas of present-day Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. It's important to note that the term "Rus'" originally referred to a political entity and its people, not specifically the land itself.
* "Rossiya": During the 15th century, with the rise of the Moscow principality, the term "Rossiya" (which directly translates to "Russia") emerged, referring to the growing Russian state.
* "Russia": This anglicized form of "Rossiya" became the standard English name for the country.
Therefore, the word "Russia" is a relatively recent development, deriving from a much older term related to the Vikings and their influence on the region.