Islas

Islas is the plural form of the Spanish noun isla, meaning "islands." The term derives from Latin insula and entered Spanish via the Romance language family. In modern usage, isla refers to a piece of land surrounded by water, while islas denotes two or more such landmasses.

In geography and toponymy, Islas appears in many compound place names. The phrase Islas Canarias refers to the Canary Islands, and Islas Baleares to the Balearic Islands. These uses are standard in Spanish, with the word islas functioning as part of a proper noun rather than a generic noun in such cases.

As a surname, Islas is of Spanish origin and is found throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It is borne by individuals and families in countries across Latin America and Spain, appearing in historical records as well as contemporary documents. The surname may have originated from a toponym or from a descriptive reference to an area associated with islands.

In linguistic terms, islas follows regular Spanish pluralization rules, with the feminine singular isla producing the plural islas. Outside of proper names, it is a common noun used to describe multiple landmasses associated with water. The word also contributes to regional identities in areas where island groups are prominent.

See also: Isla, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands.