G'day Zorro and all,

The meaning of Caledonia as mountainous (suggested by Penny S) is possibly reflected in the term "Caledonian" for a period of mountain-forming in Europe ... but it may also be the reverse.

The other names: Scotia for Scotland and Hibernia for Ireland probably reflect the views of the Mediterranean Romans - used to much brighter, warmer climes. Scotia is from the Greek (spoken by all cultivated, literate Romans of the day) and basically means (place of) darkness while Hibernia is directly from the Latin and means (place of) Winter.

I'm sure the locals didn't share the Roman view, but the Romans got to draw the maps of the day.

Regards,

Bob Bolton