This article is from the soc.culture.australian FAQ, by Stephen Wales with numerous contributions by others.
"Terra Australis" was the land of the south. The Portuguese
Fernandez de Quiros, in the service of Philip III of Spain, named
it Australia del Espiritu Santo (Southern Land of the Holy Ghost)
"Australia" was used to flatter the King who was a Prince of the
Austria Ruling house. [VS]
 
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