Why was the mountain named “Everest” in the first place?
The mountain was named after British surveyor, Sir George Everest. The name was suggested by Everest’s succesor, Sir Andrew Scott Waugh, after confirming measurements acknowledging that Mt. Qomolangma was the world’s tallest mountain. Incidentally, Everest himself was adament that any geographical object should be named for “its true local or native appellation.” In addition, Everest himself objected when his colleague proposed that Mt. Qomolangma be named for himself. To that end, it would be fitting to honor, not spite, Everest by reverting the name from Everest to Qomolangma in the annals of the world atlases. For more information, read here.
