Have you ever wondered what people from different states in the United States are called?
As you meet individuals from various states with distinct regional identities and cultural peculiarities, knowing the right term to refer to them can enhance your conversations and help avoid confusion.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll delve into the intriguing nicknames (demonyms) for residents of all 50 states, providing a better understanding of the local culture and history.
Throughout this journey, you’ll come across familiar and surprising terms, from easily recognised names like “New Yorker” for residents of New York to unusual ones like “Hoosiers” for those hailing from Indiana.
I’ll guide you through the captivating world of these regional names, known as demonyms, shedding light on their origins and meanings.
As you navigate the captivating world of these official (and sometimes unofficial) names, we will also delve deeper into the origins of these resident nicknames when available. So sit back, relax, and discover the intriguing and diverse world of demonyms across the United States.
Let’s quickly define demonyms before diving into the comprehensive list of resident nicknames.
What are Demonyms?
A demonym is a term used to refer to people that come from a particular place, region, or country. It is derived from “demonymic,” the name of the place or area. The term “demonymic” comes from the Greek words “demos,” meaning “people,” and “onoma,” meaning “name.”
Demonyms are used to distinguish people from different countries, states, cities, towns, or even neighbourhoods from each other. They provide an interesting way to identify the residents of a particular region, and they often have unique histories and meanings behind their origins.
For example, “Italian” is the demonymic word for the country of Italy, and “New Yorker” is the demonymic word for a person from New York.
Now that you understand the concept of demonyms let’s look at the full list of state resident nicknames!
Nicknames for Residents of Every US State: Complete List of Demonyms
Here’s a list of the official nicknames or demonyms for residents of each US state. Some states have alternate or unofficial names, also included here for your curiosity.
Alabama
People from Alabama are called Alabamians. Their state is known for its southern charm and rich history, making Alabamians proud of their heritage.
Alaska
Someone from Alaska is often referred to as an Alaskan. Other names given to Alaskans are “Sourdoughs” and “Last Frontier-ers.
Alaska is the largest state in the US. Renowned for its vast wilderness and breathtaking scenery, Alaskans share a love for the great outdoors.
Arizona
Arizonans, as people from Arizona are called, enjoy the desert landscapes and striking geological features that make their state unique.
Arkansas
Folks from Arkansas are known as Arkansans. The Natural State offers picturesque countryside and a down-to-earth lifestyle for its residents.
California
California natives are called Californians, who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, making it a truly multicultural state.
California is the most populous state in the United States, with over 39 million residents as of July 2022. The state is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, deserts, and forests, as well as its major cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
California has many famous landmarks and attractions, including Hollywood, Disneyland, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Colorado
People from Colorado are called Coloradans. Colorado is located in the western United States, known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Rocky Mountains, national parks, and scenic drives.
Connecticut
Connecticutters or Connecticutens, as they are officially called, enjoy one of the oldest states in the US, full of history and tradition.
Delaware
Delawareans are residents of Delaware. They cherish the history and culture of the First State known for its scenic beaches and lovely landscapes.
Florida
People living in Florida are called Floridians. Known for its sandy beaches and warm climate, the Sunshine State draws people from all over.
Georgia
Those from Georgia are known as Georgians. They appreciate their state’s history, delicious cuisine, and diverse landscapes.
Hawaii
Hawaiians are people native to the beautiful and culturally rich state of Hawaii, an archipelago in the Pacific known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant traditions.
Idaho
The people from Idaho are referred to as Idahoans. The Gem State is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering stunning landscapes and plenty of activities.
Illinois
People from Illinois are known as Illinoisans. Home to the bustling city of Chicago and stunning landscapes, this state has a lot to offer.
Other nicknames for people who belong to Illinois include “Illini,” in reference to the Native American tribe that resided there once.
Additionally, people sometimes refer to those living in Illinois as “Suckers,” a term which originated during the 1840s and originates from a common slang term for a person from the state.
Indiana
Hoosiers, the official demonym for Indiana residents, take pride in their state’s tradition, culture, and vibrant spirit.
Iowa
People from Iowa are officially called Iowans. Iowa is a popular Midwest destination known for its rolling hills, sprawling prairies, and friendly people.
Kansas
The demonym for people from Kansas is Kansans. Kansas is known for its diverse climate, landscapes, and attractions, making it unique.
Kentucky
The natives of Kentucky, the US state known for horse racing, bourbon, and beautiful countryside, are called Kentuckians. Other nicknames include “Bluegrass Staters” and “Kentucky Colonels.”
Here’s a bit of background on that:
Kentucky is often called the “Bluegrass State,” a nickname that comes from its abundance of bluegrass, which is found in many of its pastures. The origin of the other nickname, “Kentucky Colonels,” dates back to colonial times when landowners were granted honorary titles of “Colonel” by the Governor for their loyalty to the British Crown.
Louisiana
Louisiana is home to Louisianans or Louisianians. With rich cultural influences like Cajun and Creole, this state is famous for its vibrant music and food scene.
Maine
People from Maine are called Mainers. Known for rugged coastlines and charming towns, Maine residents appreciate their state’s natural beauty and maritime heritage.
They often refer to themselves as Mainiacs, too. However, the source of people calling themselves “Mainiacs” is unclear as it seems more of a colloquial term not universally accepted or used in Maine. Some people in Maine may not use it or find it offensive.
Maryland
Marylanders are people from Maryland, known for its historic towns and plentiful blue crabs.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has two official demonyms: Massachusettsans and Bay Staters. This state is home to several prestigious universities and has a deeply rooted history in higher education.
Michigan
“Michiganders” or “Michiganians,” are used to refer to people from Michigan, the Wolverine State. It’s famous for its Great Lakes, automotive industry, and diverse landscapes.
Minnesota
Minnesotans, residents of the North Star State, enjoy a mix of bustling cities, lively arts scenes, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Mississippi
People from Mississippi are called Mississippians. They proudly identify themselves with their state’s rich traditions and beautiful landscapes.
Missouri
Missourians, as people from Missouri are called, reside in a state that offers a mix of urban centres and scenic outdoor locations.
Montana
Montanans are the residents of Montana, often called the Treasure State, because of its abundant natural resources and spectacular scenery.
Nebraska
People from Nebraska are called Nebraskans. This state’s residents are known for their friendly gestures and a strong sense of community.
Nevada
Folks from Nevada are known as Nevadans. They relish their state’s reputation for entertainment in cities like Las Vegas and Reno.
New Hampshire
People from New Hampshire are called Granite Staters or New Hampshirites. Their state is known for its picturesque landscapes and love of the outdoors.
New Jersey
New Jerseyans, as people from New Jersey are called, cherish their state’s history, thriving cultural scene, and proximity to New York City.
New Mexico
This is a straightforward one! People from New Mexico are called New Mexicans. This southwestern state is known for its deserts and mountains, as well as its unique cultural heritage.
New York
New Yorkers come from this bustling state known for its iconic metropolis, magnificent landscapes, and rich cultural offerings.
North Carolina
People from North Carolina are called North Carolinians. They take pride in their state’s vibrant culture, outdoor attractions, and rich history.
North Dakota
North Dakotans, as people from North Dakota are known, appreciate their state’s beautiful landscapes, agricultural heritage, and hospitality.
Ohio
People from Ohio are called Ohioans. They take pride in their state’s sports, science, and industry contributions.
Oklahoma
Oklahomans, residents of the Sooner State, celebrate their strong cultural ties with Native American history and a passion for sports.
Oregon
People from Oregon are called Oregonians. They value their state’s diverse beauty, ranging from the green forests to coastal areas.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians, as people from Pennsylvania are known, appreciate their state’s history and its significant role in the founding of the United States.
Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders are people from Rhode Island, the smallest state in the US. This state is known for its historic sites, coastal beauty, and rich culture.
South Carolina
People from South Carolina are called South Carolinians. They take pride in their state’s history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions.
South Dakota
South Dakotans, as residents of South Dakota are called, cherish their state’s stunning landscapes, which include the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Tennessee
Those from Tennessee are known as Tennesseans. They strongly connect to their state’s history, music scene, and outdoor attractions.
Texas
People living in Texas are called Texans. They take great pride in their state’s rich history and famous slogan, “Don’t Mess with Texas.”
Utah
People who live in Utah are called Utahns or Utahans. Utah is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. The state has a strong religious history, with a significant Mormon population.
Vermont
Natives of Vermont are called Vermonters. Famous for its picturesque small towns, stunning landscapes and beautiful forests, Vermont has a reputation as one of the most scenic places in America. It is renowned for its craft breweries, maple syrup production and colourful autumn foliage. The state is also home to the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company.
Virginia
People from Virginia are referred to as Virginians. Virginia is steeped in American history its important role in the founding of the United States. Key historic sites, such as Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, have played crucial roles in the state’s legacy.
The state is also known for its beautiful landscapes, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley.
Washington
Those who reside in Washington are called Washingtonians. They treasure their state’s natural beauty, which includes majestic mountains and lush rainforests. Not to be confused with Washington, D.C., the state of Washington is situated on the Pacific Northwest coast. It is famous for its vibrant cities like Seattle and natural attractions like Mount Rainier and the Olympic National Park.
West Virginia
West Virginia residents are known as West Virginians. Bordered by Virginia to the southeast, West Virginia is characterized by its diverse and rugged landscapes. The state is well-known for its coal mining history and many outdoor recreational opportunities.
Wisconsin
People living in Wisconsin are called Wisconsinites. The state is renowned for its dairy production, particularly cheese, and numerous lakes and rivers. Wisconsin is also the birthplace of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Wyoming
Finally, individuals from Wyoming are referred to as Wyomingites. The least populous state in the US, Wyoming is famous for its wide-open spaces and national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The state is also home to the well-known symbol of the American West, the cowboy.
Wrapping Up
There you go! You have learnt the names (demonyms) of people residing in each US state. It’s fascinating to see the various terms used to describe residents of different states. Isn’t it?
Understanding these terms will enhance your knowledge of US geography and enable you to connect with people from various states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the term for residents of Wyoming?
Residents of Wyoming are often called “Wyomingites.” You might hear this term used to describe people born and raised in the state or who have settled there from other locations.
How are individuals from Georgia referred to?
People from Georgia are known as “Georgians.” However, there are a few alternate terms you may also hear. These include “Peach State natives”, referencing the state’s official fruit, the peach.
What do you call a resident from Alabama?
Natives of Alabama are commonly called “Alabamians.” However, other nicknames for people from Alabama include “Yellowhammers,” “Bammers,” and “Cotton Staters.”
What is the term for Montana natives?
“Montanans” is the term used to describe residents of Montana. Montana also has some unofficial nicknames, such as “Big Sky Country” and “Treasure State,” but these are more informal terms of endearment than official titles.
What do you call someone from Kentucky?
Kentucky residents are known as “Kentuckians.” Other nicknames include “Bluegrass Staters” and “Kentucky Colonels.”
What is the identifier for individuals from Illinois?
Individuals residing in Illinois are called “Illinoisans.” Other nicknames include “Illini,” and “Suckers.”
What title do people from Maine hold?
People from Maine are often referred to as “Mainers.”
