How The States Got Their Names

Among the many things I take for granted while exploring new places are names. I recently took a trip that had me hit up Wyoming, Utah and Idaho (really, the best tri-state combination there is) and never stopped to ponder, where did these states get their names?

The below infographic from designer Alfonso Moreno will settle that question once and for all. Being from Illinois, I knew its etymology was Native American, but it might surprise you to know that:

• 54 percent of the state’s names have Native American origins
• Followed by English (16 percent)
• Spanish (14 percent)
• and French (12 percent)

Explore all the information below and let us know if anything surprised you in the comments below. 

The Names Behind The States infographic by Fonx.

Image via Yui/Shutterstock