50 states and 50 interesting names! Some sound even cooler with their unique pronunciation. But sometimes, these names do make us wonder why it is called what it is. Some names come from Native American words, while others honor kings and explorers. In fact, there are a few that have origins so bizarre they seem like inside jokes.

Here’s how all 50 states—and Washington, D.C.—got their names!

Alabama

Alabama was named for the land and its people and comes from the Choctaw word Albaamaha. It refers to a Native American tribe that once lived in the area. The word means “clearers of the thicket” or “vegetation gatherers.”

Alaska

The Aleut people called it Alyeska, meaning “great land” or “mainland.” And no wonder the great land lives up to its name. This state is known for its vast wilderness. It’s the largest U.S. state, with huge mountains, endless forests, and coastlines stretching for thousands of miles.

Arizona

The name likely comes from the O’odham phrase Ali Ṣonak, meaning “small spring.” It refers to Arizona’s rare water sources. The desert state has few rivers and lakes, which makes every spring and oasis incredibly valuable.

Arkansas

The Quapaw people lived here, and the Illinois tribe called them Akansa. French explorers heard the name and added the silent “s.” That’s why it’s pronounced “Ar-kan-saw.” It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the state’s name is a French twist on native words.

California

Spanish explorers named it after a mythical island from a 16th-century novel. This makes California a state that came into reality from a myth. Las Sergas de Esplandián, California, was filled with gold. The real state didn’t have gold—until the Gold Rush changed everything in 1848.

Colorado

The state was all about red rivers and rocky lands. The Spanish called it Colorado, meaning “colored red.” The name particularly reflected the reddish silt in the Colorado River. Apart from all the red, Colorado was also famous for its rock formations and deep canyons.

Connecticut

The name comes from the Mohegan-Pequot word Quinnetukut, meaning “long tidal river.” It describes the Connecticut River, which runs through the state. The river was a lifeline for early settlers and Native American tribes.

Delaware

The Delaware River and Bay were named after Thomas West, Lord De La Warr. He was the first governor of Virginia and, interestingly, never set foot in Delaware. The river later gave the state its name.

Florida

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León named it La Florida in 1513. The name means “land of flowers.” He arrived in spring and saw colorful blooms everywhere. Florida’s stunning seasons still match its name today.

Georgia

This state was founded in 1732 and named after a British monarch, King George II. It was meant to be a fresh start for debtors and the poor. However, despite the name, the royal connections never gained significance in this region. Today, Georgia is more famous for peaches than royals.

Hawaii

The name likely comes from Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland of Polynesians. Early voyagers traveled thousands of miles across the Pacific to settle here. In the Hawaiian language, Hawai‘i reflects deep cultural roots and a strong ancestral connection.

Idaho

Many believed Idaho meant “gem of the mountains” in Shoshone. But that’s far from the truth. As absurd as it sounds, this was a completely made-up name. A mining lobbyist suggested it. Congress thought it was real, and the name stuck.

Illinois

The Illinois tribe called themselves Illiniwek, meaning “best people” or “superior tribe.” French explorers adapted the word to Illinois. The “s” at the end is silent, just to confuse everyone.

Indiana

Just as the name suggests, this state means the "Land of the Indians." The name was meant to honor the Native American tribes who lived here. Yet by the time Indiana became a state in 1816, most Indigenous groups had been forcibly removed due to government policies and settler expansion.

Iowa

Iowa’s name preserves the legacy of the Native American group Ioway, which had deep roots in the region. Though many Ioway people were eventually displaced, their cultural impact can still be felt in the state’s history and traditions.

Kansas

The state takes its name from the Kansa (Kaw) tribe, whose name translates to "people of the south wind." This state is popular for its powerful gusts and open plains, and it still reflects the environment that shaped the lives of its earliest inhabitants.

Kentucky

The Iroquois word Ken-tah-ten means “land of tomorrow” or “meadowland.” This state was not just abundant with wildlife, but also had vast resources with fertile soil. Early settlers viewed the region as a place of new beginnings.

Louisiana

French explorer Robert de La Salle named the area after King Louis XIV and secured France’s influence over a territory that once stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. Louisiana still considers French heritage a part of itself, especially in New Orleans.

Maine

The true origin remains uncertain, but one theory links it to the French province of Maine, while another suggests it came from the maritime term “mainland” to distinguish it from nearby islands. Its deep ties to fishing and shipbuilding make either explanation fitting.

Maryland

Named after Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, Maryland was established as a haven for Catholics escaping religious persecution. Over time, it evolved into a diverse and politically influential state.

Massachusetts

The Massachusett tribe inspired the name, which means "near the great hill"—a reference to the Blue Hills near Boston. Long before the arrival of European settlers, the region was home to thriving Indigenous communities.

Michigan

From the Ojibwe word mishigamaa, meaning “large water” or “great lake,” Michigan’s name is a direct nod to its geography. With over 11,000 inland lakes and four Great Lakes along its borders, water has shaped its identity for centuries.

Minnesota

The Dakota word Mní Sota means “cloudy water.” It describes the Minnesota River. The name reflects the state’s many lakes, rivers, and waterways.

Mississippi

From the Ojibwe word Misi-ziibi, meaning “great river.” The Mississippi River is one of the longest in the world, stretching over 2,300 miles.

Missouri

The Illinois tribe called the Missouri people ouemessourita, meaning “people with dugout canoes.” Rivers were vital for travel and trade in the area.

Montana

The Spanish word montaña means “mountain.” It fits Montana’s towering peaks and vast landscapes. The name is simple, but the scenery is breathtaking.

Nebraska

The Omaha-Ponca word Nebrathka means “flat water.” It refers to the Platte River. The state’s open plains and slow-moving rivers match the meaning.

Nevada

The Spanish called it Nevada, meaning “snow-covered.” It refers to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Despite its dry desert climate, the peaks stay snowy year-round.

New Hampshire

Captain John Mason named it after Hampshire, an English county. He received the land in 1629. It became the official name, even after the Revolutionary War.

New Jersey

Named after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel, the name reflects the close ties between early settlers and their homeland. Many of New Jersey’s first European inhabitants had roots in this small but significant island.

New Mexico

Spanish explorers named it Nuevo México, thinking it was rich in gold like its southern neighbor. They were wrong. The area had little gold, but people nonetheless kept the name. It remains a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican cultures.

New York

The Dutch originally named it New Amsterdam, but the British took control and renamed it after the Duke of York. The name changed, but the city’s fast-paced energy and diverse culture still reflect its international roots.

North & South Carolina

Both states were named after King Charles I of England. Carolus is Latin for Charles. The land was once a single colony but split in 1712. North Carolina became known for tobacco, while South Carolina thrived on rice and cotton.

North & South Dakota

The Dakota Sioux tribe inspired the name. Dakota means “allies” or “friendly.” The region was once a single territory, but it split into two states in 1889. Both states still honor their Native American heritage.

Ohio

From the Iroquois word Ohi-yo, meaning “great river.” The Ohio River was crucial for trade, transportation, and settlement. Early pioneers relied on it to move goods and people. Even now, it remains one of the country’s most important waterways.

Oklahoma

The name comes from the Choctaw words okla (people) and humma (red), meaning “red people.” It referred to Native American tribes. After the Trail of Tears, the land became home to many displaced Indigenous nations.

Oregon

No one knows exactly where Oregon’s name comes from. One theory suggests a French mapmaker used it to describe the Columbia River region. Another suggests it came from a mispronounced Native American word. Either way, the name stuck.

Pennsylvania

The name honors William Penn, the colony’s founder. The word sylvania means “woods” in Latin, referring to Pennsylvania’s vast forests. Penn created the colony as a place for religious freedom and attracted settlers from across Europe.

Rhode Island

Dutch explorer Adriaen Block called it Roodt Eylandt, meaning “Red Island,” due to its red-colored clay. The English later anglicized the name. Despite its small size, Rhode Island played a major role in American history.

Tennessee

The name comes from Tanasi, a Cherokee village once located along the Little Tennessee River. It was one of many Cherokee settlements in the region. Tennessee remains deeply connected to Native American and Appalachian history.

Texas

The word Texas comes from the Caddo word taysha, meaning “friends” or “allies.” Early Spanish settlers adopted the name. Today, Texas still embraces its independent and welcoming spirit and lives up to its motto: “Friendship.”

Utah

The name likely comes from the Ute tribe, meaning “people of the mountains.” The Utes lived in the area long before settlers arrived. Utah’s towering peaks, canyons, and desert landscapes reflect the name’s deep connection to nature.

Vermont

Vermont stems from the French words vert mont, meaning “green mountain.” French explorer Samuel de Champlain named the region for its rolling green hills. The name fits perfectly, as Vermont is famous for its lush forests and rugged mountains.

Virginia & West Virginia

Named after Queen Elizabeth I, known as the “Virgin Queen.” Virginia was one of the first English colonies. West Virginia split from Virginia during the Civil War. Both states hold deep ties to early American history and independence.

Washington

This is the only state named after a president: George Washington. It’s the only state to bear the name of a leader instead of a place or tribe. Washington’s natural beauty and thriving cities reflect the strength of its namesake.

Washington, D.C.

The “D.C.” stands for “District of Columbia.” It honors Christopher Columbus, a common namesake in early America. Unlike states, Washington, D.C. isn’t part of any state. It was created as the nation’s capital, separate from all others.