The Origin and Meaning of the Word ‘Guanche’ According to Álvarez Delgado
The word “guanche” has been the subject of much debate and etymological analysis over time. According to Álvarez Delgado’s 1942 research, the term was originally applied exclusively to the indigenous people of Tenerife and only later extended to refer to all aboriginal elements of the Canary Islands[1].
Álvarez Delgado cites Fr. Alonso de Espinosa, who states: “The natives of this island—Tenerife—whom we call guanches, in their ancient language called it ‘Achinech’”[1]. Historical documents, such as the will of D. Fernando Guanarteme, show the use of the word “guancho” to refer to an indigenous slave, demonstrating the existence of graphic and phonetic variants like “guanche,” “ganche,” “guancho,” and “guancha”[1].
Regarding etymology, Álvarez Delgado reviews several hypotheses proposed by dictionaries and encyclopedias of his time. For example, the Royal Spanish Academy suggested a Berber origin from “u-acxex” (young son), but the author finds this explanation unsatisfactory, as it does not justify the exclusive adoption of a foreign term in Tenerife or its later extension to other islands[1]. He also notes that the Berber form “u-acxex” gave rise in the Canaries to the word “guayete” for a child, not “guanche”[1].
Another hypothesis, cited by Viera y Clavijo, proposes that “guanche” comes from the combination of “guan” (man) and “Chinerfe” (Tenerife), meaning “man of Tenerife.” However, Álvarez Delgado questions the documented existence of “Chinerfe” and the phonetic feasibility of evolving into “guanche”[1].
The author also analyzes the possibility that “guanche” derives from names of Egyptian, Libyan, or Berber peoples such as “guan-scheris” or “guanshéit,” but considers that name similarity alone is not enough to establish a solid etymological relationship[1].
One interpretation Álvarez Delgado finds suggestive is the relationship between “guanche” and “bincheni,” a form documented by Abreu Galindo for the natives of Tenerife. However, he notes difficulties in the transmission and accentuation of the word, as well as in the phonetic equivalence between the two forms[1].
Finally, Álvarez Delgado concludes that the word “guanche” was probably formed by composition, following a pattern seen in other island denominations such as “Benahoare” and “auaritas” or “Canaria” and “canarios.” Thus, “guanche” could mean something like “man of the land” or “the native,” although the exact meaning of its components remains uncertain[1].