Why carp fishes called carp?

Carp belong to the family Cyprinidae, which is the largest family of freshwater fishes. It is believed that the name "carp" comes from the Latin word "carpa," which means "wrist" or "palm," referring to the shape of the fish's mouth. However, there are several other theories about the origin of the name "carp."

One theory suggests that the name "carp" comes from the Germanic word "karpa," which means "to bend or twist." This may refer to the carp's ability to twist and turn its body in the water.

Another theory proposes that the name "carp" is derived from the Old French word "carpe," which means "a large fish." This term was used to describe different large fish, including carp, and it is possible that the name stuck with the Cyprinidae family.

Regardless of its exact origin, the name "carp" has been associated with these fish for centuries and is now widely used to refer to various species within the Cyprinidae family.