The ancient Egyptian name as transliterated from hieroglyphs is km.t, and was probably pronounced Kemet or Kumat. This means black land, and refers to the fertile black soil around the Nile as distinct from the red sand of the desert. The name is still used today in Coptic - the Copts call themselves rem en khÄmi, People of Egypt. The name Egypt comes from the Greek Aigyptos, and ultimately from the Egyptian Hikuptah.
Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier truly became a household name internationally in 1996 when the City of Gainesville hosted the Olympic Canoe and Kayak events at the Olympic Venue now home to Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club and Lake Lanier Rowing Club.
Lanier County, the 155th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1920. The county was named in honor of Georgia state poet, Sidney Lanier. Lakeland, the county seat, is Lanier County's only incorporated municipality. Originally called Mill Town, Lakeland received its current name in 1925 in honor of its proximity to several lakes including Grand Bay Lake, Lake Irma and Banks Lake. For many years, Lakeland owned and operated its own railroad.