Home-Grown State Names Trivia Quiz

Answer:

You can see that the correct answers have a wide range of localized etymological origins: Alabama is derived from the Native American Alabama-Coushatta tribe and their Muskogean language. Alaska comes from the Aleut word "Alyeska," meaning "great land." Connecticut originates from the Algonquian word "quinnehtukqut," signifying a "long tidal river." Iowa has roots in the Dakota Sioux language, meaning "beautiful land" or "this is the place." Kentucky is believed to have originated from the Wyandot language. Massachusetts is named after the Massachusett Native American tribe. Michigan is derived from an Ojibwe (Chippewa) word "mishigamaa," meaning "large water," reflecting the state's numerous lakes.

Minnesota gets its name from the Dakota Sioux word "Mni Sota Makoce," translating to "land of clear blue water." Missouri comes from the indigenous Missouria tribe. Nebraska has its roots in the Otoe language, meaning "flat water" or "broad river." South Dakota gets its name from the Sioux word "Dakota," meaning "allies" or "friends." Ohio is derived from the Iroquoian language and means "good river." Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma," meaning "red people." Tennessee takes its name from the Cherokee village of "Tanasi." Finally, Wisconsin originates from the Miami-Illinois language and means "river running through a red place."

The incorrect answers come from a variety of foreign-language sources: New York was originally named after the Duke of York and Albany, James Stuart, who later became King James II of England, and "York" itself is of Old English origin, meaning "yew tree estate." South Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England and "Carolina" is derived from the Latin word "Carolus," meaning "Charles." Georgia was named after King George II of England. Rhode Island received its name from the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, who called it "Roodt Eylandt" or "Red Island" due to its red clay.

Colorado is a Spanish word meaning "colored red" and was inspired by the Colorado River. California is thought to have been derived from a Spanish novel and was originally used to describe a fictional island. Washington was named after the first U.S. President, George Washington. New Jersey was named after the English Channel Island of Jersey. Vermont is derived from the French words "vert mont," meaning "green mountain," referencing its picturesque landscapes.