Pelican
The Spanish explorer, Juan Manuel de Ayala name it Alcatraz, because of the 100's & 100's of Pelicans that lived there. Alcatraz is the Spanish word for Pelican.
"Alcatraz" is the Spanish word for "gannet", a marine bird related to the pelican.
"Alcatraz" can be translated to "pelican".
that word mean's pelicano
because it means pelican
The first spaniard to discover the island was Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, who charted San Francisco Bay and named the island "La Isla de los Alcatraces," which translates as "The Island of the Pelicans,"from the archaic Spanish alcatraz, "pelican", a word which was borrowed originally from Hispano-Arabic qatrás (proud or noble walking).
The name Alcatraz is derived from the Spanish "Alcatraces." In 1775, the Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala was the first to sail into what is now known as San Francisco Bay - his expedition mapped the bay and named one of the three islands Alcatraces. Over time, the name was Anglicized to Alcatraz. While the exact meaning is still debated, Alcatraz is usually defined as meaning "pelican" or "strange bird."
In the context of the hymn pelican rock, Alcatraz isn't directly mentioned. However, if you're referring to the idea of Alcatraz as a rock in a figurative sense, it aligns with the broader symbolism of strength, refuge, and enduring support often associated with the phrase Rock of Ages in Christian hymnody. Rock of Ages is traditionally understood as a reference to God's strength and protection, symbolizing a safe haven or foundation, just as solid rock provides stability and shelter. Alcatraz, a small island with its formidable fortress-like prison, might evoke a similar metaphorical sense of a stronghold or a place of unyielding strength. Though itβs more commonly associated with isolation due to its prison history, the physicality of Alcatraz as a literal rock surrounded by turbulent waters can reflect themes of endurance and steadfastness amid adversity. So, while Alcatraz isn't explicitly related to the hymn, both concepts share symbolic connections to strength, resilience, and the idea of being a safe refuge β key themes in Rock of Ages.
The name of the island in San Fransisco bay was "Isla de las Alcatraces" (Island of the Lilies) given by Juan de Ayala in the mid 1770s. The word Alcatraz is no longer used in modern Spanish.
Alcatraz spanish origin, proper noun
Alcatraz is an abbreviation of the Spanish for Isla de Alcatraces (Island of Pelicans).