kontschat

Updated: May 27, 2025

The name of Kamtschatka, pronounced Kantschatka, conferred by the Russians, was adopted from the native appellation of the great river flowing through the country. This river derived its name, according to tradition, from Kontschat, a warrior of former times, who had a stronghold on its banks. It is strange that the Kamtschatkans had no designation either for themselves or their country.

Otto von Kotzebue - A New Voyage Round the World, in the years 1823, 24, 25, and 26, Vol. 2