Where does Mindanao word come from?

The word "Mindanao" has a fascinating origin story. While there are different theories, the most widely accepted one comes from the Old Malay language.

Here's a breakdown:

* "Minadanao" is believed to have originated from "Minadano", which means "the land of the people" or "people's land."

* This name is likely a combination of two words:

* "Mina": meaning "people" or "mankind."

* "Dano": meaning "land" or "country."

Therefore, the word "Mindanao" itself essentially means "land of the people" or "people's land". This makes sense, as Mindanao is the second-largest island in the Philippines and has been home to a diverse array of indigenous groups for centuries.

Note: It's important to understand that the meaning of "Mindanao" in its original Old Malay form might be slightly different from how it's understood today. Over time, the word has taken on different connotations and associations.