'Argentina' originates from Spanish, ultimately from the Latin word 'argentum', where 'argentum' meant 'silver'.

'Argentina' developed from Spanish uses such as the adjective 'argentino' (from 'argentum') and through association with the Río de la Plata (the 'silver' river) came to be used as the country's name.

Initially it referred to 'of silver' or 'silvery'; over time the term became the proper name of the country 'Argentina', referring to the region associated with silver and the Río de la Plata.