The first recorded information about Lake Victoria came from Arab traders who crossed the inland routes in search of gold, ivory, other valuable goods and slaves.

The lake existed and was known to many Africans long before it was discovered by a European in 1858, when British explorer John Hanning Speke reached its southern shore. In honor of Queen Victoria, he named the lake after her.

The lake has many local names: Nam Lolwe, Nnalubaale, Nyanza, Ukerewe.