I imagine a conversation between Juan Ponce de Leon and his childhood buddy Vasco da Gama in 1513 would go something like this:

“Hey, Vas, I just discovered the most beautiful place, filled with lush vegetation and white sandy beaches. I didn’t find gold, but the weather was perfect. I couldn’t locate the fountain of youth, either, but I’m sure it’s there somewhere. I named it Florida, for ‘place of flowers.’ ”