laguna

Laguna is a term used in geography and in place names. As a geographic feature, a lagoon is a shallow coastal body of water that is often brackish and separated from the open sea by a barrier such as a sandbar, barrier island, or coral reef. Lagoons form along coastlines, behind barrier formations, or around reefs, and they can host diverse ecosystems and fisheries. The word comes from the Spanish laguna, meaning lagoon or pond, itself derived from Latin lacuna.

Laguna also appears in the names of various places. In the Philippines, Laguna is a province in the Calabarzon region, with Santa Cruz as its capital. The province surrounds Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, which lies between Metro Manila and the province. In the United States, Laguna Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, California, known for its beaches, art community, and scenic coves. The name is used in other regions with Spanish influence to designate towns, districts, or geographic features associated with lagoons.

Beyond geography, Laguna can function as a surname and appears in cultural and historical contexts related to the concept of a lagoon. The term’s broad usage reflects its descriptive origins and the widespread presence of lagoons in coastal landscapes around the world.