Southern State Nicknames And The Stories Behind Them

Many of us have endearing nicknames for our home states—terms of affection that just roll off the tongue whenever we boast about where we’re from. But how often do we pause to think about the origins of these catchy phrases? Nicknames like “The Pelican State” seem pretty straightforward, while others, like “The Tar Heel State,” could probably use a bit more explanation. Southern states carry a lot of history behind their nicknames, holding tales of triumph, hardship, dedication, and pride. Here are the stories behind every Southern state nickname.

Alabama: "The Yellowhammer State" and "The Cotton State"

Alabama doesn’t have an official nickname, but it has been called “The Yellowhammer State” since the Civil War. The name originated from a company of Alabama soldiers who wore uniforms trimmed with bright yellow cloth, resembling what is now Alabama’s official state bird: the Yellowhammer woodpecker. Alabama was also known as "The Cotton State” beginning in the mid-1860s. As a central part of the Cotton Belt, the state’s economy and culture were significantly shaped by cotton production.

Arkansas: “The Natural State”

Arkansas' nickname, “The Natural State,” highlights its diverse topography, from the rolling rapids of the Cossatot River to the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains. Adopted over three decades ago, the moniker reflects the state's commitment to preserving its natural beauty, making it a prime destination for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and white water rafting. The state’s vast wilderness has also earned it other nicknames in the past, such as “The Black Bear State” and “The Toothpick State,” both referencing the adventures of early pioneers.

Florida: “The Sunshine State”

With the longest coastline in the continental U.S., thousands of people flock to Florida every year for its countless beaches and subtropical climate. But, meteorologically speaking, “The Sunshine State” may be the fourth or fifth sunniest state. In fact, New Mexico unofficially held the nickname first. Florida's legislature found the moniker more intriguing than its previous one, “The Citrus State,” officially adopting "The Sunshine State" in 1970.

Georgia: "The Peach State"

You can find more than 70 streets named after peaches in Georgia, and that’s in Atlanta alone. However, Georgia wasn’t named “The Peach State” for being the biggest producer of peaches. The fruit became a symbol of the New South as Southern states sought to distance themselves from the poverty and slavery associated with cotton. Peaches were seen as more exotic and refined, but the reality was much harsher—the enslaved laborers, whose hard work made the success of Georgia peaches possible, were often paid so little they couldn't afford to enjoy the fruit themselves.

Kentucky: "The Bluegrass State"

This nickname refers to the beautiful pastures of bluegrass that grow in Kentucky, but spoiler alert: the grass isn’t actually blue! The name comes from the grass’ purplish-blue buds, which give off a bluish hue in the sunlight during springtime. While bluegrass originally came from Europe and Asia, early settlers are believed to have brought it to the U.S., where it thrives in Kentucky’s limestone-rich soil. These pastures raise many of the state’s famous Kentucky Derby racehorses. And of course, "The Bluegrass State" is also home to the iconic bluegrass music genre, which got its start in Kentucky in the 1940s. 

Louisiana: “The Pelican State” and “Sportsman’s Paradise”

Most Louisiana nicknames pay homage to the state’s diverse and unique ecosystems. Known as "The Pelican State," Louisiana earned this title due to the abundance of brown pelicans gracing its coastline. The pelican was officially adopted as the state bird in 1966, after early European settlers admired its nurturing nature towards their young. The state also has a well-earned reputation as the "Sportsman’s Paradise," which is a nod to Louisiana’s countless bayous, marshes, and swamps that provide excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing.

Mississippi: “The Magnolia State”

During the spring and summer months, Mississippi streets are dotted with pink and white magnolia blossoms and the large evergreen trees they grow from. As "The Magnolia State," Mississippians have long cherished these plants for filling the air with sweet fragrance and providing shade on hot summer days. In 1900, schoolchildren selected the magnolia as the state flower in a statewide vote, though it wasn’t officially recognized by the legislature until 1952

North Carolina: “The Old North State” and “The Tar Heel State”

When the Carolina colony was divided in 1710, the older, northern settlement became North Carolina, which is how the state became known as “The Old North State.” North Carolina is also called “The Tar Heel State,” pointing to colonial times when tar from North Carolina’s longleaf pine trees was used to coat wooden ships for the British Navy. “Tar Heel” was originally a derogatory term for poor laborers, but now it is a common nickname for any resident of North Carolina.

Oklahoma: “The Sooner State”

Oklahoma's nickname, "The Sooner State," originates from the Land Run of 1889, when the U.S. government opened central Oklahoma for settlement. Settlers were supposed to wait for an official start time to claim land, but those who entered early were called "Sooners." This name stuck and became synonymous with anyone eager for opportunity. In 1908, one year after Oklahoma gained statehood, the University of Oklahoma adopted "Sooners" as the name for their football team.

South Carolina: “The Palmetto State”

Nicknamed “The Palmetto State,” South Carolina proudly features its state tree, the sabal palmetto, in many aspects of its history. You'll find it on the state seal, the state flag, and in the Pledge to the Flag of South Carolina. The palmetto tree also symbolizes the victory over the British fleet at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. During the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, the fort’s success was largely due to its construction from palmetto logs, which absorbed the cannonballs’ impact without splintering.

Tennessee: “The Volunteer State”

As “The Volunteer State”, Tennessee has a long history of acquiring militia volunteers, dating as far back as the War of 1812. The state further solidified its nickname during the Mexican-American War of 1846, when President James K. Polk called for 2,600 volunteers and a staggering 30,000 Tennesseans responded. Tennessee natives carry their own modern interpretations of the nickname today. The University of Tennessee's athletic teams have been rocking the “Vols” moniker for over 100 years.

Texas: “The Lone Star State”

Texas arguably has one of the most nationally-recognized nicknames. "The Lone Star State" represents Texas’ long history as an independent republic. After winning its freedom from Mexico in 1836, Texas existed as an independent nation. In 1838, the Texas Senate commissioned a new flag to symbolize this spirit of independence, resulting in the adoption of the Lone Star Flag.

Virginia: “Old Dominion”

Virginia's nickname, "Old Dominion," is one of the oldest established nicknames, dating back to the 17th century.  King Charles II of England gave the nickname as a nod to the colony’s loyalty to the Crown during the English Civil War. This long-standing moniker reflects Virginia’s deep ties to its colonial past and its role in the formation of early America. Today, you’ll find references to “Old Dominion” in everything from institutions to popular attractions, including Kings Dominion amusement park,