Seattle etymology

Etymology

The name "Seattle" is a derivation of the name of Chief Si'ahl (ca. 1786-1866), a prominent leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes who lived in the area that is now Seattle.

Meaning

The name Si'ahl means "chief" or "leader" in the Lushootseed language, the native language of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. It is a shortened form of the full name "Si'ahlum", which means "chief of chiefs".

Origin

The name "Seattle" was first used by Euro-Americans to refer to the chief. It was later adopted as the name of the settlement (later city) that was established at the site of Chief Si'ahl's village in 1851. The settlement was named after the chief in honor of his leadership and cooperation with the early settlers.

Pronunciation

The correct pronunciation of "Seattle" is "see-AT-tuhl" (rhymes with "bottle"). The emphasis is on the second syllable.

Other Notes

• The spelling of "Seattle" has changed slightly over time. It was originally spelled "Sealth" or "Sealths" by Euro-Americans, but the current spelling became more common in the late 19th century.
• There is a debate about whether the name "Seattle" was specifically chosen in honor of Chief Si'ahl or if it was a more general reference to the tribe he led.
• The name "Seattle" has become synonymous with the city itself, as well as with the broader Puget Sound region.

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