The name Miramichi was first applie to places in Northumberland County in northeastern New Brunswick, Canada, but has since been transferred to distant places in both Canada and the United States. The name may have been derived from the Montagnais words "Maissimeu Assi" (meaning MicMac Land), and was perhaps introduced for use in European languages by Jacques Cartier in 1535. Many other interpretations have, however, been suggested.