Name and etymology. Djibouti is officially known as the Republic of Djibouti.In local languages it is known as Yibuuti (in Afar), جيبوتي, Jībūtī (in Arabic), and Jabuuti (in Somali).. The name of the country is derived from the city of Djibouti, the country’s eponymous capital.The etymology of the city of Djibout is disputed.