China (n.) Asian country name, 1550s (earliest European use is in Italian, by Marco Polo), of uncertain origin, probably ultimately from Sanskrit Cina-s "the Chinese," perhaps from Qin dynasty, which ruled 3c.

The name 'China' comes from the Sanskrit Cina (derived from the name of the Chinese Qin Dynasty, pronounced 'Chin') which was translated as 'Cin' by the Persians and seems to have become popularized through trade along the Silk Road.

The etymology of the word “China” stretches back more than 2000 years, to as early as 200 years before Christ. The name “China” comes from the ancient Chinese Dynasty named “Qin” (秦)　 [B.C. 221-B.C. 206]. “Qin” (秦) is normally pronounced “Chin” in English. In French, China is spelled “Chine” and pronounced “Sin.”

The English name "China" was borrowed from Portuguese during the 16th century, and its direct cognates became common in the subsequent centuries in the West. It is believed to be a borrowing from Middle Persian, and some have traced it further back to the Sanskrit word चीन (cīna) for the nation.