why is barbados called bim

Barbados is called "Bim" as an affectionate local nickname with several possible origins. One major theory is that "Bim" derives from the Igbo word "bém" (from "bé mụ́"), meaning "my home" or "my people," reflecting the influence of Igbo slaves from southeastern Nigeria who came to Barbados in the 18th century. Another theory links "Bim" to the surname "Byam," associated with Lieutenant General William Byam, a Royalist leader exiled to Barbados after the English Civil War; his followers were called "Bims," and this evolved into a nickname for Barbadians. Additionally, some suggest "Bimshire" affectionately refers to Barbados as a county ("shire") similar to English counties, reflecting the island's colonial ties to England. The term "Bim" has been recorded in dictionaries as meaning a native or inhabitant of Barbados since the mid-19th century.