How Did Nebraska Get Its Name? Origin and Meaning

Ever wondered where the name “Nebraska” came from? Here’s your chance to explain the origins of the name, some basic facts, symbols, and wildlife. Explore the nicknames, land forms, and more as you learn how Nebraska got its name.

How Did Nebraska Get Its Name?

Nebraska comes from the Oto Nation word for the area, “Nebrathka.” This word means “shallow water” or “broad water,” coming from the name for the Platte River, also referred to as the “flat river.” Basically, Nebraska was named for the Oto Nation’s word for the Platte River. This name was first written in record in 1842 by Charles Fremont.

Basic Facts on Nebraska

• Statehood established: March 1, 1867
• Official nickname: The Cornhuskers State
• Capital city: Lincoln
• Largest city by area: Omaha
• Largest city by population: Omaha
• State bird: Western meadowlark
• State Flower: Goldenrod
• State motto: “Equality before the law”
• Population: 1.964 million

Official Nickname for Nebraska

The official nickname of Nebraska is the Cornhuskers State. Since the state produces 1.4 billion bushels of corn each year, the nickname seems appropriate.

Other Nicknames for the Cornhusker State

Nebraska may officially be the Cornhusker State, but a few other nicknames have found colloquial use.

• The Tree Planter State (official nickname in 1895)
• The Beef State (from 1956 to 1965, unofficial)

Nebraska residents themselves have been called Bug Eaters, Tree Planters, Cornhuskers, and Squatters. Officially, residents are known as Nebraskans.

What Does “Nebraska” Mean?

Originally occupied by the Oto Nation comprised of Arapahoe, Omaha, Pawnee, Santee, Ponca, Macy, Winnebago, and Ogallala, Nebraska’s name comes from the Oto Nation word. “Nebrathka” is the English transliteration of this word, and means “flat water”. This term refers to the Platte River, the official symbol of the state.

Geography and Land Forms of Nebraska

Two primary major land regions make up the state of Nebraska. These are the Dissected Till Plains and the Great Plains. The Great Plains, which more folks may find familiar, occupies most of western Nebraska with treeless prairie land. The Dissected Till Plains, on the other hand, are less flat and contain most of the largest cities. Both Omaha and Lincoln rest within this part of the state, along with the only rolling hills in the region.

Wildlife in Nebraska

Nebraska’s open plains, forests, and other terrains are the perfect place to spot some diverse wildlife. Multiple endangered animals live here, as well, including the little brown bat, the tri-colored bat, the American bison, and black-footed ferret. Other intriguing and exciting animals you just might spot include:

• Nine-banded armadillos
• Black-tailed jackrabbits
• White-tailed jackrabbits
• Prairie voles
• Meadow voles
• Southern flying squirrels
• North American porcupines
• Squirrels
• Raccoons
• White-tailed deer
• Northern long-eared bats
• Grizzly bears
• Black bears
• Coyotes
• Grey wolves
• Lynxes
• Cougars
• Pronghorns
• Bobcats
• Pocket gophers
• Swift foxes
• River otters
• Bighorn sheep
• Elks
• Prairie dogs
• Bailey’s eastern wood rats
• Salamanders
• Frogs
• Toads
• Turtles
• Lizards
• Snakes
• Bald eagles
• Whooping cranes
• Peregrine falcons
• Sandhill cranes
• Prairie chickens
• Piping plovers
• Bowfins
• Catfish
• Drums
• Eels
• Herrings
• Killfish
• Lampreys
• Gar
• Minnows
• Mooneyes
• Pikes

Fun Facts About Nebraska

• Nebraska may have a smaller population than some, but it’s still the sixteen largest state for landmass.
• World-famous Hollywood actor Marlon Brando was born in Nebraska.
• Nebraska has loads of small towns, of which Red Cloud is the most famous.
• Kool-Aid was invented here.
• Fred Astaire, the classic, famous Hollywood dancer, was born in Nebraska.
• Over 100 million trees have been intentionally planted in Nebraska.
• Nebraska contains the largest indoor rainforest at Lied Jungle.
• One of the most famous sites along the Oregon Trail rests in Nebraska. When folks saw the incredible Chimney Rock (now National Historic Site), they knew they were getting close.
• Nebraska was the last state to create its own flag.
• You’ll find the world’s largest porch swing in the small town of Hebron, Nebraska.
• Nebraska is where Arbor Day began.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Victor Maschek/Shutterstock.com