Indiana was named after its namesake river, but there are many theories as to its genesis. When Indians first settled this territory they used its waterways as highways – not having horses meant canoeing between each river as they traveled from one to the other.
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European diseases soon took their toll, leading to an alarming decrease in numbers and eventually leading to their complete disappearance from the State.
The French
Indiana may trace back its name to French explorers who first encountered its people. While Spanish, Portuguese and British explorers used different terms for Indiana before them, once the French came it became L'Indiana (pronounced VEE-wa).
Indiana Historical Bureau's website notes that debate has long raged about the name of their state. One theory suggests it could come from an Indian word for corn "hoosa", yet no such term appears in Indian dictionaries.
No matter its origins, Indiana makes an outstanding baby name choice. Gender neutral and steeped in history, its roots lie deep within Americana – qualities which you could easily envision your little Indiana exhibiting when she or he grows up! Indiana can also serve as an outstanding middle name choice.
The Spanish
Indianaans often refer to themselves with pride and affection as Hoosiers; its origin remains uncertain; theories suggest it could come from local Indian words for corn (hoosa), while another possibility suggests flat boatmen from Indiana transported grain directly to New Orleans sported the term.
Indiana, as a gender-neutral name, holds strong pop-cultural significance among fans of the iconic Indiana Jones films. People named Indiana are said to possess quick wits and an undying love of adventure; self-reliant individuals known for being independent are also said to bear this name with pride. With its Native American origins tied into its popularity, people with this name make great candidates for academic or Legal careers while it makes for a unique yet sophisticated baby name choice for new parents.
The English
Indiana's nickname, Hoosier State, has long been a matter of speculation and debate. There have been various hypotheses as to its origin; none can provide definitive proof as to where or why it originated; one theory holds that its source might lie with a worker on the Louisville and Portland Canal construction in 1820s who became known by that moniker – making those working alongside him known as Hoosiers as well.
One theory suggests that Indiana derives its name from a man born into slavery in 1770s who later served as a Methodist minister preaching to both black and white congregations and has been identified by some as its creator. Another possibility holds that it derives from Native American tribes occupying Indiana during which one Miami chief named his village Hoosier near present-day South Bend.
The Native Americans
By the 16th century, Native American tribes speaking Algonquian languages had an extensive presence across what is now Eastern, Central and Southern Indiana – these included Miami, Wea and Piankashaw tribes.
Tribes often lived together in villages or small communities when not hunting deer for food, learning pottery-making techniques and cultivating crops like corn, beans and squash to feed their families. Over time they moved toward permanent villages as an integral part of life.
In 1717, French explorers established their first fort in what would later become Indiana. This name may have come from Wea word oolighana or oolighana meaning "big ears", perhaps in reference to Thaleichthys pacificus smelt that abounded in this river and was beloved among Indian tribes who frequented it.
