The Name of the United States: How It Came to Be

🇺🇸The name 'United States of America' was coined by Thomas Jefferson during the American Revolution.

🌎The term 'America' had been used for centuries to describe the land mass, derived from Amerigo Vespucci.

🗽The alternative name proposed for the United States was 'Columbia', but it lost popularity due to mockery.

🏞️Another proposed alternative was 'Fredonia', derived from the word 'freedom', but it didn't gain traction.

🔒The name 'United States' stuck and became the official name after the American Constitution was drafted.

Who named the United States?

—The name 'United States of America' was first used by Thomas Jefferson during the American Revolution.

Why was the name 'America' chosen?

—The name 'America' was derived from Amerigo Vespucci, an early explorer, and was widely used to describe the land mass.

What were the alternative names considered?

—Two main alternative names were 'Columbia' and 'Fredonia', but they didn't gain enough support and 'United States' remained.

Why did 'Columbia' lose popularity?

—'Columbia' became a term of mockery for overly patriotic individuals, leading to its decline as an alternative name.

When was the name 'United States' officially adopted?

—The name 'United States' became the official name after the American Constitution was drafted.

00:00The United States' name was deliberately chosen, unlike many other countries.

00:19Before the American Revolution, the lands were known as British North America or simply the colonies.

00:52Thomas Jefferson first used the term 'United States of America' during the American Revolution.

01:17The alternative names proposed were 'Columbia' and 'Fredonia'.

02:26The United States' name stuck and became the official name after the American Constitution was drafted.