| The name Acadia originally applied to the colonies of New France, to an area that included southeastern Quebec, eastern Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Some say the name came from the Greek "Arcadia" meaning "rural contentment." It was thought to be named by Verazanno who sailed near the maritimes in 1524. The name "Acadian" was the name given to the early French settlers who migrated from France to Acadia. Note that the name "Acadian" was transformed into "Cajun" in Louisiana. The English pronunciation of "Acadien" explains its spelling (Acadien - - Acadjunn - - Cajun).
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