List of flag names facts for kids
This article lists some of the many interesting names and nicknames given to flags around the world. While most flags don't have official nicknames, some unofficial names are so well-known that everyone uses them! Flags often get their nicknames from their colors, symbols, or history.
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Famous Flags and Their Nicknames
Many countries have special names for their flags that reflect their history or design. These nicknames are often used by people in that country and sometimes even around the world.
Flags with Stars
Stars are a common symbol on flags, and they often inspire nicknames.
- Argentina: The flag of Argentina is known as La Albiceleste or La Celeste y Blanca. These names mean "The white and light blue one," describing the flag's colors.
- Chile: Chile's flag is called La Estrella Solitaria, which means "The Lone Star." This name comes from the single white star on its design.
- Cuba: Just like Chile, Cuba's flag also has a single star and is known as La Estrella Solitaria ("The Lone Star").
- United States: The flag of the United States has many famous nicknames. It's often called Old Glory, Stars and Stripes, or Red, White and Blue. The original flag with 13 stars is sometimes called the Betsy Ross Flag. Another historical flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, inspired the US national anthem.
- Vietnam: Vietnam's flag is known as Cờ đỏ sao vàng, meaning "Red Flag and Yellow Star." It's also called Cờ tổ quốc, which means "Flag of Fatherland."
Flags with Animals
Some flags feature animals, which can lead to unique nicknames.
- California: The flag of California is simply called the Bear Flag. It features a grizzly bear, a symbol of the state.
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka's flag is known as the Lion Flag or Sinha Flag. It shows a golden lion holding a sword.
- Wales: The Welsh flag is nicknamed Y Ddraig Goch, meaning "The Red Dragon." It proudly displays a large red dragon.
Flags with Special Colors
Many flag nicknames come directly from their colors, especially if they are very distinct.
- Brazil: Brazil's flag is often called A Auriverde, meaning "The Gold and Green." It's also known as Bandeira Auriverde ("Gold and green flag").
- Germany: Germany's flag is officially called the Bundesflagge ("Federal Flag"). It's also known by its colors: Schwarz-Rot-Gold ("Black-red-gold").
- Indonesia: The flag of Indonesia is simply called Bendera Merah-Putih or Merah-Putih, meaning "Red-White Flag."
- Poland: Poland's flag is known as Biało-Czerwona, which means "White-Red."
- South Africa: South Africa's flag is sometimes unofficially called The Rainbow Flag or Unity Flag because of its many colors and what they represent.
- Estonia: Estonia's flag is called Sinimustvalge, meaning "Blue-black-white."
- Finland: Finland's flag is known as Siniristilippu, which means "Blue Cross Flag."
- Hungary: Hungary's flag is called Piros-fehér-zöld, meaning "Red-White-Green."
- Ireland: Ireland's flag is known as Trídhathach na hÉireann, meaning "Irish tricolour."
- Latvia: Latvia's flag is called Sarkanbaltsarkanais karogs, meaning "Red-white-red flag."
- Russia: Russia's flag is known as Российский триколор (Rosiiski Trikolor) or just Триколор (Trikolor), meaning "Russian Three Colors."
- Ukraine: Ukraine's flag is known as жовто-блакитний (прапор) (Zhovto-blakytnyy [prapor]), meaning "Yellow-blue [flag]."
Flags with Historical or Unique Names
Some flags have nicknames that tell a story or describe a unique feature.
- Barbados: The flag of Barbados is known as The Broken Trident. This refers to the trident symbol on the flag, which has a broken shaft, symbolizing Barbados breaking away from its colonial past.
- Denmark: Denmark's flag is famously called Dannebrog, meaning "Danish cloth." It is one of the oldest national flags still in use.
- Faroe Islands: The flag of the Faroe Islands is called Merkið, which simply means "The Banner."
- Greenland: Greenland's flag has two nicknames: Aappalaartoq ("The red") and Erfalasorput ("Our flag").
- Isle of Man: The flag of the Isle of Man is called Tree Cassyn Vannin, meaning "Three Legs of Mann." It features a unique symbol of three armored legs joined at the thigh.
- Japan: Japan's national flag is called Hinomaru (日の丸), which means "Sun disc." This name comes from the red circle representing the sun.
- Malaysia: Malaysia's flag is known as Jalur Gemilang, meaning "Stripes of Glory."
- Nepal: Nepal's flag is unique because it's the only national flag that isn't rectangular. It's sometimes called Pahāḍa, meaning "Mountain," which fits its shape.
- United Kingdom: The flag of the United Kingdom is widely known as the Union Jack or Union Flag. The Red Ensign or Red Duster is a version used by British merchant ships.
Flags with Religious or Cultural Meanings
Some flags have names linked to their cultural or religious significance.
- Maratha Empire: The historical flag of the Maratha Empire was called Bhagwa, meaning "The Saffron Banner." Saffron is a color with religious importance in some cultures.
- Pakistan: Pakistan's flag is known as Parchem e Sitāra o Hilāl ("Flag of the Star and the Crescent") and Sabz Hilāli Parchem ("Green Flag with Crescent"). These names describe its symbols.
- Saudi Arabia: The flag of Saudi Arabia features Arabic script and is sometimes referred to as Al Tawheed or Shahada, which are Islamic terms.
Images for kids
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The unofficial Baner Dewi Sant (Flag of Saint David) of Wales.
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The Bonnie Blue flag, a historical flag used in the Confederate States.
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The Estelada blava (Blue-Starred Flag), used by the Catalan independence movement.
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The Estreleira (Starred Flag), used by Galician nationalists.
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The Eureka Flag from Australia.
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The Five Coloured Flag of Jainism.
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The Native America's flag of Oklahoma.
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The Nishan Sahib (respected ensign).
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A Rainbow flag representing the international co-operative movement.
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The historical Schwarz-Weiß-Rot (Black-white-red) flag of the German Empire.
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The Jefferson Seal Flag of the proposed U.S. state of Jefferson.
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The Kanaka Maoli (True People) alternative flag of Hawaii.
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The Kaponga (silver fern) flag, an unofficial symbol of New Zealand.
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The Leòmhann na h-Alba (Lion Rampant), the Royal Banner of Scotland.
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The Wiphala, a flag representing the native peoples of the Andes.
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The Union Jack of the United States Navy.
