Michigan etymology

Etymology:

The name "Michigan" originates from the Ojibwe word "mishigami," meaning "great water" or "big lake."

Meaning and Origin:

• Meaning: The name refers to the large body of water that forms the state's western and northern borders, known as Lake Michigan.

• Origin:

  • The Ojibwe (Chippewa) people inhabited the region when French explorers arrived in the 17th century.
  • The French explorer Samuel de Champlain applied the Ojibwe word "mishigami" to the lake in his map of 1632.
  • The name was later extended to the entire territory surrounding the lake.
  • In 1805, the Michigan Territory was established, and the name "Michigan" was officially adopted for the state upon its admission to the Union in 1837.

Variations:

Over time, the spelling of the name has undergone several variations, including:

• Meshi-gan
• Mesigan
• Michican
• Mishicaw
• Michigane
• Michigamme

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