* Encyclopaedia: This is derived from the Greek words "enkyklios" (meaning "circular" or "general") and "paideia" (meaning "education" or "instruction"). It essentially means "a comprehensive and systematic work of knowledge."
* Britannica: This refers to "British."
Therefore, "Encyclopaedia Britannica" literally means "British Encyclopedia."
The name reflects its origins. The first edition of the encyclopedia was published in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1768, and was intended to be a comprehensive overview of knowledge for the British public.