Top 11 State Nicknames
- CJ Tiernan
- Dec 4, 2025
- 6 min read
By CJ Tiernan
The United States is comprised of 50 states. Each and every one of these states has its own unique qualities, people, and landmarks. It is so cool how singular these states can be. From the physical characteristics like climate and terrain, to the cultural qualities and traditions, each state has a special charm and one-of-a-kind vibe. As such, each of these states harbor their own nickname(s) which help encapsulate their originality. Below is a list of my Top 11 favorite State Nicknames in the union.
1. The Land of Enchantment – New Mexico
Enchantment is such a sick word. It conjures a sense of wonder and magic. New Mexico has some fascinating topography and is home to the much-ballyhooed Area 51 (release the tapes!). The nickname is not only awesome but perfectly befitting. Plus, look at the color on that license plate. She's a thing of beauty. It is also in possession of the titular city in my favorite Weird Al song of all time: Albuquerque.
2. The Empire State – New York
When I think of New York state, I think of New York City. C'mon, I can't be the only one who thinks that. I mean, it's the city so nice they named it twice after all (Manhattan is the other name). It's the titan of the industrial revolution. The nucleus of Nasdaq. The home of all things happening. It is because of New York's history as both an economic powerhouse and cultural influencer that George Washington (of George Washington Bridge fame) declared New York the "seat of the empire" way back in 1795. He would know; he famously fought empires for a living before taking the first official seat on the American throne.
3. The Sunshine State – Florida
Sunshine = happiness. This equation is essential not only to Florida's tourism industry but also the foundation upon which our subconscious emotional states are derived. If it's overcast, you're a Gloomy Gus. If it's all sunshine and rainbows, then it's suns out, guns out, baby! It doesn't hurt that the sun looks like an orange, which Florida is the number 2 producer of in the country (and used to be number one but someone had to go invent diseases for plants and stuff).
4. The Land of 10,000 Lakes – Minnesota
Do you think they had one guy count all 10,000 lakes himself, or did they have like a team? Maybe 10,000 is just an estimate (upon doing a very minimal amount of research, it appears that Minnesota has over 11,000 lakes and that the DNR is responsible for making that number official). The lakes have to be more than 10 acres to count as lakes, which is cool because I never really considered what it took to turn a pond into a lake. Now we know. Tell your friends.
5. Big Sky Country – Montana
I've been to Montana 3 times, which isn't enough to speak on behalf of Montana, but it feels like quite a few times for someone from Iowa with no official business in Montana. In my limited experience, the name seems apt. Coupled with the backdrop of mountains, the Bob Ross-ian snapshot of earth and sky feels magnitudinous. The landscape is beautiful and the humidity is low. It is a worthwhile locale for those seeking adventure.
6. The Last Frontier – Alaska
Alaska was the 50th and final (to date) state added to the union in the wee hours of 1959. The United States purchased Alaska from Russia (and they bought Louisiana at some point too). It's crazy to think of such large swaths of land changing hands from one country to another without war and death. I always kinda picture land as being won (or... just straight-up stolen) so it's weird to envision big chunks of the map changing hands with a handshake and a smile. But whatever, frontier is a dope word. By square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city in the continuous 48, but when you include Alaska, it drops to fifth as the 4 largest cities in the US by geographical footprint are in Alaska (Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and Anchorage, from largest to smallest).
7. The Birthplace of Aviation – Ohio
The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur (alas, neither of which are names we're generating any more), are generally credited as being "first in flight." They created a system of controlling an airplane in 3-dimensions, a system that at least served as a backbone for all fixed wing aircraft manufactured even to this day. While their famous flight attempts transpired in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (at the awesome locale name of "Kill Devil Hills"), Orville was both born in, and died at, Dayton, Ohio. His bro was born in Indiana but also died in Dayton (should it be called "The Deathplace of Aviation"?), so the younger Orville is doing the heavy lifting in the genesis of this nickname.
8. The First State – Delaware
"If you ain't first, you're last" was probably their state motto until Talladega Nights stole it and they changed it to something in latin, probably. I think the most perfect encapsulation of ones presence in Delaware was created by Wayne and Garth in Wayne's World when they were magically whisked away to the first state and they said, and I'm quoting here, "Hi, I'm in Delaware." First is kinda all they have, and they cling to it like Saran Wrap clings to itself when you need it to adhere to the bowl or plate you're trying to cover instead. Still, in 1787, it was probably a gutsy move to ratify the new constitution before anyone else so, for stepping up and being first, we salute you (TYFYS - Thank You For Your Service, Delaware).
9. Old Dominion – Virginia
Old Dominion is a name that holds gravitas. While calling something old can be offensive, this was meant as a compliment. However, the nickname was bestowed upon Virginia by the King of England in the mid-1600s to thank them for their loyalty so, they're kinda guilty of fraternizing with the enemy. Nevertheless, with a handful of centuries to cool off, I think we can agree this nickname is worth its weight in crown jewels.
10. The Show Me State – Missouri
Missouri is in possession of the Arch, the Gateway to the West. That is something worth visiting. It also has Branson, which according to the movie "Waiting for Guffman," is the stool capital of the world. I didn't see any stools when I was there, but it is a delightful little tourist trap of a city. It gives off major Wisconsin Dells vibes. I highly recommend it. The state was so named after a speech from a Missouri Congressman who would not settle for empty promises and demanded action. I think we can all agree it's a more flattering way to get a nickname than the reason Chicago became the Windy City six years earlier, in 1893.
11. The North Star State – Minnesota
The North Star State nickname derives its origins from the state motto "L'Étoile du Nord," which is French for "Star of the North." That's pretty sick. Polaris and them Big Dipper boys in the sky getting a shout out (Polaris and Them Bigger Dipper Boys - dibs on that as my band name). While most of these nicknames are derived from what is in the state, this one reflects its status as the northernmost state (of the contiguous 48) and thus, where it lies in relation to the other states. Leave it to the hat of Mr. Mimal to have an inferiority complex requiring it to be taller than all the other states.
Final Thoughts
There were 50 states to choose from and most states have multiple nicknames, so I'm sure that I missed one or two of your faves. Please let me know in the comments which are your favorite. Thinking about states, and how they got their statehood and nickname was a fun endeavor. I hope you enjoyed it as well. Thanks for reading and have a great day!
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