The Correct Name of Lake Geneva is Le Léman

We should call it “Lake Leman” in English

If you look at paper or online maps in English, you might see a label that says Lake Geneva. But that name does not reflect the real, historical, and locally used name of this magnificent body of water.

The correct name in French, the only language spoken around the lake, is Lac Léman, or simply Le Léman as on the official Swisstopo map. The term Lake Geneva is a misleading convention that should be corrected. For English speakers, we can and should advocate for a more accurate name: Lac Léman (or Lake Leman, removing the accent for English orthography is accepted, but keeping the correct name). We should also do the same for German speakers and change from Genfersee to Lemansee.

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The name “Lake Geneva” only applies to a small section

In local geography, the Petit-Lac (“Small Lake”) is the name for the narrow section between Geneva and a line between Yvoire (FR) and Promenthoux (near Nyon and Prangins, CH). Beyond this point, the lake widens and is called the Grand-Lac, and the whole body of water is simply called Le Léman. The eastern most part may also be called the Haut-Lac (“High Lake”) from Villeneuve, where the Rhone river enters the lake, to a line between Rivaz (CH) and Meillerie (FR).

Using “Lake Geneva” for the entire lake ignores the geography and history of the region.

Few people realise that the term “Lake Geneva” (Lac de Genève) should only refer to the waters within the Canton of Geneva (number 6 on the map below). This is a tiny portion of the lake at the very western end. The lake itself stretches much further east, bordering the Swiss cantons of Vaud and Valais, as well as the French department of Haute-Savoie.

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Historical origins of the name “Léman”

The exact origins of the name Léman remain debated, but we do know it has been in use since Roman times. The Latin name Lacus Lemanus was used as early as the 1st century BCE when Julius Caesar mentioned it in his writings.

Some etymologists suggest that the term Lemanus may derive from the Ancient Greek phrase Λιμένος Λίμνη (Liménos Límnē), meaning “port’s lake”.

• Liménos = “of the port” (Wiktionary)
• Límnē = “lake” (Wiktionary)

Other theories propose a Celtic origin, as the region was already inhabited by the Helvetii and Allobroges (links to Wikipedia articles) before the Romans arrived. However, no definitive Celtic root has been identified.

In Medieval Latin, it was known as Lacus Lausonius, although this name was also used for a town or district on the lake, or Lacus Losanetes; the equivalent in Old French was Lac de Lausanne.

Sources supporting the historical evolution of the name:

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse: Léman (on dhs.ch)
• Encyclopédie Larousse: Lac Léman
• Swiss Federal Office of Topography: swisstopo.admin.ch

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Why accuracy matters

Naming is important because it reflects history, geography, and cultural identity. Calling it “Lake Geneva” gives the false impression that Geneva owns or defines the lake, when in reality, Geneva is just one of many cities along its shores. Even though it is common practice to do so (see Lake Zurich, Lake Neuchâtel), the true historical name is Le Léman or Lac Léman, and that should be reflected in English and German as well.

By making small changes, like using “Lake Leman” instead of “Lake Geneva” in English, and Lemansee in German, we respect the cultural and linguistic heritage of the region. And by checking map providers for accuracy, we can help ensure future generations see the name correctly.

Take action today

• Refer to the lake as Le Léman or Lac Léman, Lake Leman in English, Lemansee in German and Lemano in Italian.
• Check if the name is correctly displayed for you on Google Maps, Apple Maps, Bing Maps, and OpenStreetMap, especially in other than French displays. If it is incorrect, request a correction.
• Spread awareness; share this post and encourage others to do the same!

Let’s get this right!

I only forgive Deep Purple for the lyrics of their song “Smoke on the Water” (1972) about the Casino fire in Montreux 😀

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• Name section of the Gulf of Mexico Wikipedia article
• 1984’s Newspeak, Wikipedia article

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Sources:

• Wikipedia: Lac Léman
• Wikipedia: Lake Geneva (Lake Leman unfortunately redirects here)
• OpenStreetMap
• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse
• Swiss Federal Office of Topography, with direct link to map
• Société Internationale de Sauvetage du Léman