The 50 states in the United States have taken there names from a wide range of languages and cultures throughout the world. Of these names many are from indigenous words and some are named in honor of a King, Queen, or Duke from the old world. A few states meaning are entirely unknown and one may have even been a practical joke.
To find the Origins of the each state's name simply use the Map and click on any state or scroll below to see an alphabetical list of US States.
Alabama ~ From Alabama River by early European explorers and named "Alibamu" after the local Indian tribe
Alaska ~ Corruption of Aleut word meaning “great land” or “that which the sea breaks against”
Arizona ~ Uncertain. Perhaps from the O'odham Indian word for “little spring”
Arkansas ~ From the Quapaw Indians
California ~ From a book, Las Sergas de Esplandián by Garcia Ordóñez de Montalvo
Colorado ~ From the Spanish, “ruddy” or “red”
Connecticut ~ From an Indian word (Quinnehtukqut) meaning “beside the long tidal river”
Delaware ~ From Delaware River and Bay; named in turn for Sir Thomas West, Baron De La Warr
Florida ~ From the Spanish Pascua Florida, meaning “feast of flowers”
Georgia ~ In honor of George II of England
Hawaii ~ Uncertain. The islands may have been named by Hawaii Loa, their traditional discoverer. Or they may have been named after Hawaii or Hawaiki, the traditional home of the Polynesians.
Idaho ~ An invented name which the meaning is unknown. (Practical Joke Possibly)
Illinois ~ Algonquin for “tribe of superior men”
Indiana ~ Meaning “land of Indians”
Iowa ~ From the Iowa River which was named after the Ioway Indian tribe
Kansas ~ From a Sioux word meaning “people of the south wind”
Kentucky ~ From an Iroquoian word “Ken-tah-ten” meaning “land of tomorrow”
Louisiana ~ In honor of Louis XIV of France
Maine ~ First used to distinguish the mainland from the offshore islands. It has been considered a compliment to Henrietta Maria, queen of Charles I of England. She was said to have owned the province of Mayne in France.
Maryland ~ In honor of Henrietta Maria (queen of Charles I of England)
Massachusetts ~ From Massachusett tribe of Native Americans, meaning “at or about the great hill”
Michigan ~ From Indian word “Michigana” meaning “great or large lake”
Minnesota ~ From a Dakota Indian word meaning “sky-tinted water”
Mississippi ~ From an Indian word meaning “Father of Waters”
Missouri ~ Named after the Missouri Indian tribe. “Missouri” means “town of the large canoes.”
Montana ~ From the Spanish word meaning “mountain.”
Nebraska ~ From an Oto Indian word meaning “flat water”
Nevada ~ Spanish Translation: “snowcapped”
New Hampshire ~ From the English county of Hampshire
New Jersey ~ From the Channel Isle of Jersey
New Mexico ~ From Mexico, “place of Mexitli,” an Aztec god or leader
New York ~ In honor of the Duke of York
North Carolina ~ In honor of Charles I of England
North Dakota ~ From the Sioux tribe, meaning “allies”
Ohio ~ From an Iroquoian word meaning “great river”
Oklahoma ~ From two Choctaw Indian words meaning “red people”
Oregon ~ Unknown. However, it is generally accepted that the name, first used by Jonathan Carver in 1778, was taken from the writings of Maj. Robert Rogers, an English army officer.
Pennsylvania ~ In honor of Adm. Sir William Penn, father of William Penn. It means “Penn's Woodland.”
Rhode Island ~ From the Greek Island of Rhodes
South Carolina ~ In honor of Charles I of England
South Dakota ~ From the Sioux tribe, meaning “allies”
Tennessee ~ Of Cherokee origin; the meaning is unknown
Texas ~ From an Indian word meaning “friends”
Utah ~ From the Ute tribe, meaning “people of the mountains”
Vermont ~ From the French “vert mont,” meaning “green mountain”
Virginia ~ In honor of Elizabeth “Virgin Queen” of England
Washington ~ In honor of George Washington
West Virginia ~ In honor of Elizabeth, “Virgin Queen” of England
Wisconsin ~ French corruption of an Indian word whose meaning is disputed
Wyoming ~ From the Delaware Indian word, meaning “mountains and valleys alternating”