Here's a breakdown of its meaning and origin:
* Origin: The name is of Arawak origin, the indigenous people who inhabited the island before the arrival of Europeans.
* Meaning: "Soualiga" translates to "salty water" or "salty lagoon" in the Arawak language. This likely refers to the island's surrounding waters, which are known for their salty, clear waters.
It's worth noting that "Soualiga" is sometimes used as a name for the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten), which contrasts with the French side (Saint-Martin). However, the name originally referred to the whole island.