This article explores the historical roots and context of the ethnonym “Albanians,” tracing its origins to the ancient tribe known as the Albanoi, first mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. It examines the intriguing connections between the name “Albanopolis” or “White City” and similar toponyms in Slavic languages, suggesting possible Slavic influences.

The discussion extends to the presence of significant Slavic borrowings in the Albanian language, contrasted with the absence of Albanian influence in Serbian. The article raises the question of whether modern Albanians were the original inhabitants of Albania or if they adopted the name from another tribe during more recent historical periods such as the Ottoman occupation.