Pennsylvania

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What does the baby name Pennsylvania mean? Learn about what Pennsylvania means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Pennsylvania - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Pennsylvania
P-E-N-N-S-Y-L-V-A-N-I-A, is a 12-letter female given name.
Meaning of Pennsylvania
Penn's wood land.
Origin of Pennsylvania
The name 'Pennsylvania' originates from the English language. It is derived from the combination of two words - 'Penn' and 'sylvania'. 'Penn' is derived from the surname of William Penn, the founder of the Pennsylvania colony. 'Sylvania' is derived from the Latin word 'sylvanus', which means 'of the woods' or 'woodland'. Therefore, the name 'Pennsylvania' can be interpreted as 'Penn 's woodland' or 'Penn 's woods'.
English Names
Place Names
Popularity of Pennsylvania
As a given name for girls, 'Pennsylvania' is extremely rare and not commonly used. It is primarily known as the name of a U.S. state rather than a personal name. Therefore, it does not have a significant presence in terms of popularity as a girl 's name.
Pennsylvania currently has 1 like, and is in the top 20% of liked girl's names. The name Abeke is slightly more popular than Pennsylvania.

Etymology of Pennsylvania

The etymology of 'Pennsylvania' can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components. 'Penn' refers to the surname of William Penn, an English Quaker leader who founded the Pennsylvania colony in the 17th century. 'Sylvania' is derived from the Latin word 'sylvanus', which means 'of the woods' or 'woodland'. The combination of these two elements gives the name 'Pennsylvania' its meaning of 'Penn 's woodland' or 'Penn 's woods'.

Cultural Significance of Pennsylvania

The name 'Pennsylvania' holds cultural significance primarily as the name of a U.S. state. Pennsylvania is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and significant contributions to the development of the United States. It is often associated with important historical events, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention. The state is also known for its natural beauty, with numerous forests and woodlands, which aligns with the meaning of the name 'Pennsylvania'.