names The Best State Nicknames
List Rules Upvote the best offiicial state nicknames in all of 'Merica.
Did you know that every state* in the United States of America has an official state nickname? No, it's not just because they needed something clever to put on their license plates (though that does make for a fun road trip game). It's because each state has its own history and backstory that it proudly wants to let the world know about. US state nicknames can be fun and many have interesting origins, dating back through American history, that you might not have known. So which state nicknames are the best? Let's vote!
But funny state nicknames are just the beginning - most states in America also have an official state mottos, state flowers, state trees, and even state songs! Who knew? Isn't learning fun!? Of the 50 US states, each has its unique nickname, earned for a variety of reasons, from major crops, physical features of the landscape, the history of the state's people, or even big ideas thought up by the state tourism board.
So which state do you think has the best nickname? Which one has the lamest? Do you prefer your states named after a species of bird, a body of water, or perhaps a beaver? Perhaps most importantly, what the heck is a "Show-Me" state?
Show us which USA state nicknames you think are the most fun with an upvote and downvote those you think are overdue for an update.
*Okay, fine. Alabama doesn't technically have an official state nickname, but they do have several commonly used monikers that you might as well learn about while you're here.
Alaska: "The Last Frontier"
Not to be confused with the final frontier, Alaska is known as The Last Frontier due to the vast areas of land within the state that have yet to be mapped, charted, or explored. It is also referred as The Last Frontier because people looked at it as the best place in America to start life anew.
Also Ranked
#5 on The Best U.S. States For Vacations
#3 on The Best Cruise Destinations
Texas: "The Lone Star State"
Texas was a former independent republic and struggled for independence from Mexico. The Lone Star State nickname is a reminder of that individualistic spirit. And you'll never believe what the Texan flag has on it - one star! Go figure!
Also Ranked
#68 on The Best Honeymoon Destinations
#20 on The Best U.S. States For Vacations
#5 on The Best Southern States To Live In
New York: "The Empire State"
Way before Jay-Z sang a song about it, New York was nicknamed The Empire State due to its wealth and variety of resources. According to lore, George Washington looked at a map of New York, observed the natural geographic advantages, and referred to it as the "Seat of an Empire."
Also Ranked
#31 on America's Coolest College Towns
#4 on The Best U.S. States For Vacations
Hawaii: "The Aloha State"
The same year Hawaii was adopted as a state by the US, Hawaiians adopted the moniker The Aloha State for the land. Wanting to be seen as a friendly and hospitable place to go, they chose the term "aloha" because it means "hello" in Hawaiian. It totally worked and Hawaii is the fifth most visited state in the nation.
Also Ranked
#1 on The Best U.S. States For Vacations
