How Many State Nicknames Do You Know?

By: Jouviane Alexandre
Image: shutterstock

About This Quiz

Sure, you might be able to name all 50 state capitals, but how well do you know the 50 state nicknames? Take this quiz to test your knowledge.

Did you know that all 50 states have a nickname? We're pretty sure that they exist just to give each state something fun to put on their license plates, but the fact that many of these state nicknames existed long before the horseless carriage might just prove us wrong. Assuming that there is another reason for these state word associations, let's explore them further.

State nicknames arose from the pride that residents have for their home state. Nicknames are typically based on a memorable event that took place in the state or a feature that residents or visitors associate with the state. For instance, Ohio is The Buckeye State because of the preponderance of Buckeye Trees in the state. Alaska is the Last Frontier (No, not the Final Frontier, that's "Star Trek") because it was last to be explored and settled. Make sense?

So, if you know which state is the Sunshine State, which one is the Golden State, and which state is the Peach State, then you'll probably do well on this quiz.

Take this quiz to find out just how much you know about state nicknames!

Which state is nicknamed the "Empire State?"

New York became a state in 1788 and was the 11th to join the Union. The capital is Albany and the state song is "I Love New York."

Which state is nicknamed the "Aloha State?"

Hawaii joined the United States in 1959. It was the last to become a state. The capital is Honolulu and it has other nicknames, like "Paradise of the Pacific" and "The Islands of Aloha."

Which state is nicknamed the "Golden State?"

California became a state in 1850 and is nicknamed the "Golden State." Its capital city is Sacramento and its state song is "I Love You, California."

Which state is nicknamed the "Lone Star State?"

Texas became a state in 1845 and its capital city is Austin. The state is nicknamed the "Lone Star State" for its state flag. The state song is "Texas, Our Texas."

Which state is nicknamed the "Peach State?"

Georgia became a state in 1788 and was the 4th state in the Union. The state is also nicknamed Empire State of the South.

Which state is nicknamed the "Bluegrass State?"

Kentucky became a state in 1792 and its capital is Frankfort. The state's motto is "United we stand, divided we fall."

Which state is nicknamed the "Cornhusker State?"

Nebraska became a state in 1867. The state motto is "Equality before the law."

Which state is nicknamed the "Sunshine State?"

Florida became a state in 1845 and is nicknamed the Sunshine State. The state motto is "In God We Trust" and the state song is "Old Folks at Home."

Which state is nicknamed the "Great Lake State?"

Michigan became a state in 1837. The state capital is Lansing. Michigan has other nicknames, like "The Wolverine State," "and "The Mitten State."

Which state is nicknamed the "Silver State?"

Nevada became a state in 1864 and is nicknamed the "Silver State." It also has unofficial nicknames such as the Sagebrush State and the Battle Born State.

Which state is nicknamed the "Grand Canyon State?"

Arizona became a state in 1912, one of the last to join the Union as the 48th state. Arizona is also nicknamed the Copper State.

Which state is nicknamed the "Ocean State?"

Rhode Island became a state in 1790 and was the last of the 13 original colonies. Its capital is Providence and the state's motto is "Hope."

Which state is nicknamed the "Buckeye State?"

Ohio became a state in 1803 and its capital is Columbus. The state also has nicknames like Birthplace of Aviation and The Heart of It All.

Which state is nicknamed the "Garden State?"

New Jersey became a state in 1787 and is the third state of the United States. Its motto is "Liberty and prosperity."

Which state is nicknamed the "Pelican State?"

Louisiana became a state in 1812 and and its capital is Baton Rouge. The state is nicknamed the "Pelican State" after the pelican seen on the state flag.

Which state is nicknamed the "Sooner State?"

With a clue like that, it should be clear! Oklahoma became a state in 1907 and was the 46th state.

Which state is nicknamed the "Tar Heel State?"

North Carolina became a state in 1789. It's capital is Raleigh and its other nickname is Old North State.

Which state is nicknamed the "Land of Enchantment?"

New Mexico became a state in 1912 and was one of the last states at #47. The state motto is "It grows at it goes."

Which state is nicknamed the "Beaver State?"

Oregon became a state in 1859 and its capital is Salem. The motto is "She flies with her own wings" and its song is "Oregon, My Oregon."

Which state is nicknamed the "North Star State?"

Minnesota became a state in 1858 and has quite a few nicknames. In addition to the North Star State, it also is called Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Gopher State, Agate Stage, and State of Hockey.

Which state is nicknamed the "Badger State?"

Wisconsin became a state in 1848 and is nicknamed the "Badger State." The state capital is Madison.

Which state is nicknamed the "Keystone State?"

Pennsylvania became a state in 1787, the second official state. Pennsylvania is also nicknamed the Quaker State and it's motto is "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence."

Which state is nicknamed the "Granite State?"

New Hampshire became a state in 1788. The state capital is Concord and its motto is "Live Free or Die."

Which state is nicknamed the "Palmetto State?"

South Carolina became a state in 1788 and was the eighth state to join the Union. The state's motto is "While I Breathe, I Hope."

Which state is nicknamed the "Treasure State?"

Montana became a state in 1889 and its capital is Helena. It is also nicknamed "Big Sky Country" and its motto is "Gold and Silver."

Which state is nicknamed the "First State?"

In 1787, Delaware became the first state of the United States. The capital is Dover. Delaware has other nicknames, like "The Small Wonder," "Blue Hen State," and "The Diamond State."

Which state is nicknamed the "Gem State?"

Idaho became a state in 1890. The capital is Boise. Its motto is "Let it be perpetual."

Which state is nicknamed the "Old Dominion?"

Virginia became a state in 1788 and was the 10th state admitted to the Union. The capital is Richmond and its other nicknames are "Mother of Presidents" and "Mother of States."

Which state is nicknamed the "Yellowhammer State?"

Alabama became a state in 1819 and its capital is Montgomery. "Heart of Dixie" and the "Cotton State" are among its other nicknames.

Which state is nicknamed the "Old Line State?"

Maryland became a state in 1788, the 7th in the United States. The state capital is Annapolis. Maryland is also known by its other state nickname, "Free State."

Which state is nicknamed the "Constitution State?"

Connecticut became a state in 1788 and was the fifth to join the Union. The capital is Hartford and the state song is "Yankee Doodle."

Which state is nicknamed the "Pine Tree State?"

Maine became a state in 1820 and its state capital is Augusta. The state also has the nickname of "Vacationland."

Which state is nicknamed the "The Prairie State?"

Illinois became a state in 1818 and was also nicknamed "Land of Lincoln." The state motto is "State sovereignty, national union."

Which state is nicknamed the "Centennial State?"

Colorado became a state in 1876, the same year as the United States' centennial. The state capital is Denver and its motto is "Nothing without providence."

Which state is nicknamed the "Mountain State?"

West Virginia became a state in 1863. The state capital is Charleston and its motto is "Mountaineers are always free."

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