Half of all U.S. states, 25 to be exact, carry Native American names

Half of all U.S. states, 25 to be exact, carry Native American names. Today we will be taking a look at the 25 states and the meanings of their names. They will be listed in alphabetical order.

1. Alabama: Named after the Alabama, or Alibamu tribe, a Muskogean-speaking tribe. Sources are split between the meanings 'clearers of the thicket' or 'herb gatherers'.

2. Alaska: Named after the Aleut word "alaxsxaq", which means "the mainland"

3. Arizona: Named after the O'odham word "alĭ ṣonak", meaning "small spring"

4. Connecticut: Named after the Mohican word "quonehtacut", meaning "place of long tidal river"

5. Hawai'i: Is an original word in the Hawaiian language meaning "homeland"

6. Illinois: Named after the Illinois word "illiniwek", meaning "men"

7. Iowa: Named after the Ioway tribe, whose name means "gray snow"

8. Kansas: Named after the Kansa tribe, whose name means "south wind people"

9. Kentucky: Origins are unclear, it may have been named after the Iroquoian word "Kentake", meaning "on the meadow"

10. Massachusetts: Named after the Algonquin word "Massadchu-es-et," meaning "great-hill-small-place,”

11. Michigan: From the Chippewa word "Michigama", meaning "large lake"

12. Minnesota: Named after the Dakota Indian word “Minisota” meaning “white water.”

13. Mississippi: Named after the river which was named by the Choctaw, meaning “Great water” or “Father of Waters.”

14. Missouri: Named after the Missouri tribe whose name means "those who have dugout canoes

Ctto