Why is New Caledonia called that when it is a French colony?

Question

Since Caledonia was the Roman name for what is now called Scotland.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

It was Captain Cook who named it New Caledonia because he thought part of the coastline looked like the Scottish coast line

Source(s):

A University of St Andrews tutor many years ago

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks, but I knew that I just wondered why the French never changed it's name when they took control.

Answer 2

it is called # La Nouvelle-Calédonie # it still is a french,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Caledon…
it is translated in English language.
about Caledonia? read here :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caledonia

Answer 3

We know it as Noumea....early explorers named places after their own countries.
The Dutch called Australia New Holland & Tasmania was called Van Diemans Land...

Source(s):

J...

Answer 4

See also;
New York
New England
Nova Scotia (New Scotland)
New Zealand
New South Wales
New Hampshire