Missouri Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Missouri' originates from the Siouan language, meaning 'town of the large canoes'. It has evolved from early forms like Mizouria and Missouria while retaining its connection to the indigenous people. Today, it represents Midwestern culture and is linked to notable figures in literature and politics.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Missouri"
Pronunciation
/mɪˈzʊəri/
Origin
Siouan
Etymology
The name 'Missouri' comes from the Siouan language, meaning 'town of the large canoes' or 'people with wooden canoes'. It is derived from a local tribe known as the Missouri tribe.
Meaning
town of the large canoes
Language Evolution
Missouri (modern), Mizouria (early French transliteration), Missouria (historical form)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the early 19th century when Missouri became a U.S. state in 1821, representing the indigenous heritage of the region.
Variants & Derivatives
Mizuri, Missourian
Modern Popularity & Image
Missouri is often seen as a representation of Midwestern culture and is associated with values such as hospitality and community.
Famous People
Mark Twain, Harry S. Truman, T.S. Eliot
📊 Missouri Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Missouri Name Visualizations
✨ Missouri Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 40 peak births in 1889
Geographic Spread
Popular across 5 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Missouri"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Missouri"
"Missouri" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1198th of 9107 | 711 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2614th of 9204 | 209 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6038th of 12526 | 75 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 24522nd of 35406 | 22 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 14385th of 30306 | 60 |
Regional Popularity of "Missouri" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Missouri" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
44.46% 1052nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
86.40% 2033rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Missouri"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Missouri" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Missouri" in the United States
The name Missouri is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Missouri has been stalled for female in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in South. Across generations, 'Missouri' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1198th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2614th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6038th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24522nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 14385th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Missouri' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.