When we look at North America in the 17th century the areas colonized by the maritime powers of Europe were called, respectively, Nouvelle France (Nova Francia), New England (Nova Anglia), Nieuw Nederland (Nova Belgium), and New Scotland (Nova Scotia). Below fragments of a map by Janssonius (1636) showing the claimed lands by the martime powers. Virginia was named by English explorers after their virgin Queen, Elisabeth I..

Click here or on image above for a full image of the map by Janssonius (Source: Fordham University / Library).