List of Virginia placenames of Native American origin Facts for Kids

Some of the current place names of Native American origin in present-day Virginia and Maryland can be found recorded on Capt. John Smith's 1612 map of the region

Many places in the U.S. state of Virginia have names that come from Native American languages. These names often tell us about the history of the land, the people who lived there, or the natural features of the area. Learning about these names helps us understand the rich heritage of Virginia and the Native American tribes who were the first inhabitants.

Native American Names in Virginia

Native American names are found all over Virginia, from large counties to small creeks. These names were given by tribes like the Powhatan, Chickahominy, Mattaponi, and Pamunkey. They often describe the landscape, animals, or important events.

Counties with Native American Names

Several counties in Virginia have names that come from Native American words. These names connect us directly to the tribes who lived in these areas long ago.

Powhatan County

Powhatan County is named after the powerful Powhatan people. Their leader, Chief Powhatan, was the father of Pocahontas. This county and its related places, like Powhatan State Park, honor this important historical group.

Rappahannock County

Rappahannock County gets its name from the Rappahannock River. The word "Rappahannock" is believed to mean "tide-water people" or "where the tide flows up." This shows how important rivers were to the Native Americans for travel and resources.

Shenandoah County

Shenandoah County and the famous Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley are named after a Native American word. The exact meaning is debated, but it might mean "daughter of the stars" or "beautiful daughter." The Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful area that keeps this name alive.

Other Counties

Other counties with Native American names include:

Towns and Settlements

Many towns and smaller communities in Virginia also carry Native American names. These names often reflect the history of the specific location.

Chesapeake

The city of Chesapeake is named after the famous Chesapeake Bay. The word "Chesapeake" is thought to mean "great shell fish bay" or "great water." This name highlights the rich marine life that was important to Native Americans living near the bay.

Chickahominy

The name Chickahominy comes from the Chickahominy people. You can find this name in places like the Chickahominy River and the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area. It reminds us of the tribe that lived along this river.

Matoaca

The community of Matoaca is named after Matoaka, which was the birth name of Pocahontas. This name connects the area directly to one of the most famous figures in early Virginia history.

Marumsco

Marumsco is a place name that comes from an Algonquin word. It means "island rock." This shows how Native American names often described the natural features of the land.

Pungoteague

The name Pungoteague comes from the Algonquin word "Pungotekw." This word means "sand fly river." It's a good example of how Native Americans named places based on what they observed in nature.

Other Settlements

Some other settlements with Native American names include:

Bodies of Water

Rivers, creeks, and swamps were vital for Native American life, providing water, food, and transportation. Many of these waterways still bear their original names.

Pamunkey River

The Pamunkey River is named after the Pamunkey people. This tribe was very important in the history of Virginia. The river was a central part of their lives.

Nansemond River

The Nansemond River is named after the Nansemond people. Like many other tribes, the Nansemond people lived along this river, using its resources for survival.

Mattaponi River

The Mattaponi River is named after the Mattaponi people. This river, along with the Pamunkey, forms the York River. The Mattaponi tribe continues to live in Virginia today.

Meherrin River

The Meherrin River is named after the Meherrin people. This river flows through southern Virginia and into North Carolina.

Other Waterways

Many other creeks and rivers have Native American names, such as:

Other Places with Native American Names

Beyond counties, towns, and rivers, other natural and historical sites in Virginia also have Native American names.

Allegheny Mountains

The Allegheny Mountains are a large mountain range. The name "Allegheny" is believed to come from a Lenape (Delaware) word. It might mean "endless hills" or refer to a legendary tribe called the "Allegewi."

Assateague Island

Assateague Island is a barrier island on the coast of Virginia and Maryland. Its name comes from the Assateague people, a Native American tribe who lived in the area.

Manassas Gap

Manassas Gap is a pass through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The name "Manassas" is thought to come from a Native American word meaning "a small island" or "a place of berries."

State Parks

Several state parks in Virginia preserve natural beauty and history, often bearing Native American names:

Chippokes State Park
Kiptopeke State Park
Machicomoco State Park
Occoneechee State Park
Pocahontas State Park

List of Virginia placenames of Native American origin facts for kids

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