Cathay is the name that was given to northern China by Marco Polo. He referred to southern China as Manji. The name is an Anglicized version of the word Khitan, who were a tribe ruling predominantly in Northern China during Polo's visits.

Etymlogical Progression

Below is a diagram showing the progression from Khitan to Cathay as the word travelled eastward:

• Uygur (Western China): Hyty
• Mongolian/Classic Mongolian: Hyatad(Хятад)/ Kitad
• Kazan Tatar (Central Russia): Qıtay
• Russian: Kitai (Китай)
• Medieval Latin: Cataya, Kitai
• English: Cathay

See also:

• China in world languages
• Cathay, North Dakota
• Cathay Pacific