The name Maradona needs no introduction—its bearer, the legendary Diego Maradona, sought to uncover the origins of his surname, initially assuming an Italian heritage. When that proved incorrect, Spanish researchers pointed to the presence of Maradona in Asturias and Galicia, regions in northern Spain, but their inquiry stopped there. The Between Two Iberias project, however, delves deeper, revealing that Maradona—like many surnames worldwide—likely originates from a now-lost toponym, one that carries a distinctly Kartvelian imprint.
The suffix -ona in Maradona offers the first clue to its Kartvelian roots. This ending is a hallmark of Kartvelian toponymy, most notably in Lazona, the self-designation of the Laz people’s homeland. In Megrelia, the same suffix appears in place names like Shamgona (linked to the Megrelian surname Shamugia) and Tagiloni, both of which feature the -ona or -oni suffix, a common Kartvelian marker for geographic or familial association. This pattern extends to well-known Kartvelian names like Rioni (the river) and Bagrationi (the royal dynasty), where -oni serves a similar toponymic function. Thus, Maradona emerges as a toponym, likely coined by Laz or Megrelian speakers who once inhabited or influenced the regions of Asturias and Galicia.
If Maradona is indeed a Kartvelian toponym, its root must be identifiable in Kartvelian dictionaries. Stripping away the -ona suffix, we are left with maradi, a word that Ariane Chanturia’s dictionary defines as “eternal” or “everlasting.” Maradi (მარადი) itself derives from the adverb marad (მარად), meaning “forever,” a term imbued with a sense of timelessness. Thus, Maradona transforms into a poetic toponym: “The Country of Eternity” or “The Country of Forever.” Such a name evokes a land so breathtaking that, after long wanderings, one might wish to remain there forever—a fitting descriptor for a place of enduring beauty and allure.
Asturias, where the surname Maradona is documented, aligns perfectly with this interpretation. Known as the Paraíso Natural (“Natural Paradise”), Asturias is celebrated for its stunning landscapes—towering mountains, lush forests, and the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Spaniards often choose the north over the south for vacations, drawn to cities like San Sebastian (the country’s most expensive), Santander, Gijón, and A Coruña, which rival the finest destinations in Europe. Yet, it is the smaller towns of Asturias, such as Luarca and Cudillero, that frequently top lists of Spain’s most picturesque locales, their charm epitomizing the “eternal” quality of the region. These are places where time seems to stand still, a true “Country of Eternity” that resonates with the Kartvelian etymology of Maradona.
The presence of Maradona in Galicia, another region with historical Kartvelian ties (as seen in surnames like Antia and Zarandia), further supports this hypothesis. Both Asturias and Galicia, with their Atlantic coasts and ancient cultural traditions, may have been influenced by Kartvelian-speaking peoples—perhaps Laz or Megrelians—who left their linguistic mark on the landscape. The surname Maradona, carried by one of history’s greatest footballers, thus becomes a bridge to this ancient past, linking the Kartvelian world to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.
As we advance our Kartvelology studies, let Maradona—the “Country of Eternity”—remind us of the profound Kartvelian legacy embedded in the names of lands and families across the globe. From the paradise of Asturias to the fields of Argentina, this surname carries the echoes of a language and culture that have shaped the world in ways we are only beginning to understand.
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