North Sea

The North Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located north of Europe.

Naming

Its name originates from its relationship to the land of the Frisians. They live directly to the south of the North Sea, and to the west of the East Sea (Oostzee, the Baltic Sea), the former South Sea (Zuiderzee, today's IJsselmeer) and the today reclaimed Middle Sea (Middelzee).

Related Topics:
Frisians - East Sea - South Sea - IJsselmeer - Middle Sea

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In classical times this body of water was also referred to as the Oceanum- or Mare Germanicum, meaning German Ocean or Sea. This name was commonly used in English and other languages along with the name North Sea, until the early eighteenth century. By the late nineteenth century, German Sea was a rare, scholarly usage even in Germany. In Danish the North Sea is also named Vesterhavet (besides Nordsøen), meaning Western Ocean as it is located west of Denmark.

Related Topics:
Eighteenth century - Nineteenth century - Germany

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