Origins of North American city names which have Native origins. My favorite is "good place for potatoes" (Topeka) - OC, Not Peer-Reviewed
Chicago, Illinois (USA) – Origin: From the Miami–Illinois word “shikaakwa” – Meaning: “Wild onion” or “skunk,” referring to the wild garlic or onion that once grew abundantly along the Chicago River.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA) – Origin: Believed to come from an Algonquian term (often cited as “Millioke”) – Meaning: Often interpreted as “good” or “pleasant” (and sometimes as “gathering place by the water”), describing the area’s favorable setting along the river.
Seattle, Washington (USA) – Origin: Named for Chief Si’ahl of the local Duwamish and Suquamish peoples – Meaning: Although the exact meaning is debated, Chief Si’ahl’s name is widely respected and is sometimes interpreted as “the brave” or “the strong one” in his native Lushootseed language.
Tacoma, Washington (USA) – Origin: Derived from a Puyallup (or other local Salish language) word – Meaning: Traditionally interpreted as “mother of waters” or a term referring to the local waterways that define the region.
Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) – Origin: From the Algonquin word “odawa” – Meaning: “To trade” or “traders,” highlighting the area’s long history as a trading center among indigenous peoples.
Toronto, Ontario (Canada) – Origin: From the Mohawk word “tkaronto” – Meaning: “Where there are trees standing in the water” – a reference to a natural feature (a stand of trees in a swampy area) that early visitors noted at the locale.
Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) – Origin: From the Cree word “win-nipi” – Meaning: “Muddy water,” describing the appearance of the waters around the region.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada) – Origin: From the Cree word “misâskwatômin” – Meaning: Refers to the saskatoon berry, a native fruit that was an important food source for local peoples.
Calgary, Alberta (Canada) – Origin: Likely derived from a word in a local First Nations language (often attributed to the Stoney Nakoda or Cree) – Meaning: Many sources suggest it means “at the elbow” (referring to the bend in the river) or “meeting place” – a nod to its geographic or social gathering significance.
Chilliwack, British Columbia (Canada) – Origin: From the Halq’eméylem language word “Tcil’Qe’uk” – Meaning: Often interpreted as “a place of many streams” or referencing the abundance of small creeks in the area.
Mississauga, Ontario (Canada) – Origin: From the Ojibwe word “Misi-zaagiing” – Meaning: “Those at the great river-mouth,” reflecting the geography along the shores where peoples gathered.
Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada/ New York, USA) – Origin: Believed to come from an Iroquoian word such as “Onguiaahra” – Meaning: “Thundering waters,” an apt description for the mighty falls.
Tucson, Arizona (USA) – Origin: From the O’odham word “Chuk-son” – Meaning: “At the base of the black hill,” which describes the city’s setting near a prominent dark-colored hill.
Omaha, Nebraska (USA) – Origin: Named for the Omaha tribe – Meaning: While interpretations vary, the name is associated with "Those going against the wind or current"
Wichita, Kansas (USA) – Origin: From the name of the Wichita people – Meaning: Often interpreted as “big arbor” (referring to large grass lodges or shelters) or emphasizing a notable gathering place.
Topeka, Kansas (USA) – Origin: From a Kansa (Native American) word – Meaning: “A good place to dig potatoes,” highlighting the area’s fertile land and its suitability for growing food.
Iqaluit, Nunavut (Canada) – Origin: From Inuktitut – Meaning: “Place of many fish,” referring to the rich fishing waters that surround Canada’s Arctic capital.
Kenai, Alaska (USA) – Origin: Derived from the Dena’ina language – Meaning: Commonly interpreted as “the great land” or “flat land,” describing the local terrain of the Kenai Peninsula.
Sitka, Alaska (USA) – Origin: From the Tlingit word “Sheet’ká” – Meaning: “People on the outside” (or a reference to its location on the outer edge of the native settlements), reflecting its geographical setting on Baranof Island.
Walla Walla, Washington (USA) – Origin: From the Sahaptin language – Meaning: “Many waters” or “rushing water,” a nod to the local streams and rivers that characterize the region.
