What is the Old Name of Taiwan?

East Asia's island of Taiwan is off China's eastern coastline today. Taiwan has been associated with high technology, democracy, and culture since before anyone ever visited there and is a site of considerable historical significance, home to several Indigenous populations, early Chinese immigrants, and lots of trading activities with European powers. 

Taiwan's geographic position makes it an important part of global trade and politics. Historically, the island has had several names, depending upon who controlled or visited the island. A very well-known historic name was Formosa, which continued to be used by people around the world for many hundreds of years.

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What is the Old Name of Taiwan?

In the 16th century, the Portuguese sailors who were sailing in the East Asian waters of the Pacific were the first to see what is now Taiwan. They named the island “Ilha Formosa”, meaning “Beautiful Island” in Portuguese. European maps and traders continued to reference the shortened version of the name “Formosa”, which became widely recognized and used around the world. 

With the Dutch and Japanese occupying different parts of the island in various ways during those respective time periods, Formosa appeared in international writings, like newspapers, books and government documents. 

Although Chinese descriptions of Taiwan became more popularly known, the use of Formosa persisted in some historical and present day institutions. Formosa is now only used in written works discussing historic facts and cultural references related to Taiwan and/or in documents that pre-date Taiwan's current recognition as a sovereign nation.

Why Was Taiwan Called Formosa? 

Portuguese Discovery

The Portuguese sailors were amazed by the beauty of the island when they sailed by on their ships in 1542; they called it “Ilha Formosa,” which means “Beautiful Island.” A shortened version of this name Formosa” was used by many foreign nations.

Chinese Influence

As more and more Han Chinese began immigrating to the island, the name “Taiwan” began to replace the name “Formosa” as the most commonly used name for the island. The name may come from an Indigenous tribe or an area where early settlement occurred.

Japanese Rule

Taiwan was ruled by Japan from 1895 until 1945 as a result of the First Sino-Japanese War. During this period, Taiwan was used as the official name for the island; however, the western world still referred to the island as Formosa.

Modern Usage

After the end of World War II in 1945, the name “Taiwan” became the internationally recognized name for the island. Formosa is now used more-so in literature and history than in any other way than it was before World War II.  Today, when referring to the island, “Taiwan” is still the commonly used name around the globe.