2006-12-03 11:29:26 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Most, if not all, of the names predate the formation of states. A better way to ask the question would be, how did the colonies and territories get their names?
The answer is, it depends...
New York and New Jersey were named by English colonists after places in England (the city of York and the island of Jersey).
Virginia and Maryland were named after queens of England (Elizabeth, aka The Virgin Queen, and Mary).
Massachusetts and Delaware were named after Native American tribal groups that populated them.
Louisiana was named by French colonists to honor their king, Louis XIV.
Wyoming is a mispronouced Delaware word meaning (loosely) "land of mountains and valleys".
Several states, including Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and California, derive their names from Spanish colonies...
2006-12-03 12:01:37 · answer #1 · answered by NC 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The names of the states were based on historical landmarks or figures who were influential to the founding of the state. Take Maryland for example, named after Queen Mary. The names of the states also reflect the original settlers to the region as well. Many factors contribute to each state name.
2006-12-03 11:44:35 · answer #2 · answered by Andy C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There was no one person. Before they were states they were territories. Before that, geographical regions. Each state has a ton of folklore as to how it got named. I wouldn't even begin to know where to look for the info. I'd guess some sort of historical site.
2006-12-03 11:39:41 · answer #3 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Great question!
I know that many place names and street names were named after native tribes or chiefs.
2006-12-03 11:43:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋