This Map Shows The Literal Translation Of State Names And Their Origins

South Carolina

Meaning: In Honor of King Charles I

Language: From the Latin word for “Charles”

South Dakota

Meaning: South Ally

Language: Sioux Native American

Tennessee

Meaning: The Bends of a River

Language: Native American origin

Texas

Meaning: Friend

Language: Spanish

Utah

Meaning: People of the Mountains

Language: Spanish based on Ute

Vermont

Meaning: Green Mountain

Language: French

Virginia

Meaning: Country of the Virgin

Language: English

Washington

Meaning: Home of the First President

Language: English

West Virginia

Meaning: West of the Country of the Virgin

Language: English

Wisconsin

Meaning: River Running Through a Red Place

Language: English/French/Native American

RELATED: Here Are The Weirdest Roadside Attractions In Every State

Wyoming

Meaning: At the Big River Flat

Language: Native American origin

Updated 8/14/17 to better reflect the etymology of several state names and highlight the conflicting research that exists around the meanings of state names.

 

(Sources: Simplemost and Expedia)