Meaning & History
Latinized form of Greek Ἀστυπάλαια (Astypalaia) which meant "ancient city", derived from Greek ἄστυ (astu, asty) meaning "town, city" and παλαιός (palaios) meaning "old (in years), aged, ancient" (compare the related word πάλαι (palai) meaning "long ago, in days of yore"). This name was borne by a lover of the god Poseidon in Greek mythology.