Think you know your U.S. geography? The Old Farmer's Almanac is putting your knowledge to the test—but not in the way you might expect. Sure, you probably remember all 50 states, but how many of their official nicknames can you name?
As it turns out, these nicknames tell some pretty fascinating stories. Many are rooted in local history, weather, or the traditions that helped shape each state. Take Ree Drummond's home state of Oklahoma, for instance. Known as "The Sooner State," its nickname dates back to the Land Run of 1889, when settlers claimed land before the president’s official proclamation, earning the nickname "Sooners."
Of course, states have collected plenty of unofficial monikers over the years. Oklahoma has been called everything from the Panhandle State to Cowboy Country and even Boomer's Paradise. But only one nickname earns the official stamp of approval from the state legislature. So, here's the fun part: Without peeking, how many official state nicknames can you name?
Every U.S. State’s Nickname
- Alabama (AL): Yellowhammer State
- Alaska (AK): The Last Frontier
- Arizona (AZ): The Grand Canyon State
- Arkansas (AR): The Natural State
- California (CA): The Golden State
- Colorado (CO): The Centennial State
- Connecticut (CT): The Constitution State
- Delaware (DE): The First State
- Florida (FL): The Sunshine State
- Georgia (GA): The Peach State
- Hawaii (HI): The Aloha State
- Idaho (ID): The Gem State
- Illinois (IL): The Prairie State
- Indiana (IN): The Hoosier State
- Iowa (IA): The Hawkeye State
- Kansas (KS): The Sunflower State
- Kentucky (KY): The Bluegrass State
- Louisiana (LA): The Pelican State
- Maine (ME): The Pine Tree State
- Maryland (MD): The Old Line State
- Massachusetts (MA): The Bay State
- Michigan (MI): The Great Lakes State
- Minnesota (MN): The North Star State
- Mississippi (MS): The Magnolia State
- Missouri (MO): The Show Me State
- Montana (MT): The Treasure State
- Nebraska (NE): The Cornhusker State
- Nevada (NV): The Silver State
- New Hampshire (NH): The Granite State
- New Jersey (NJ): The Garden State
- New Mexico (NM): The Land of Enchantment
- New York (NY): The Empire State
- North Carolina (NC): The Tar Heel State
- North Dakota (ND): The Peace Garden State
- Ohio (OH): The Buckeye State
- Oklahoma (OK): The Sooner State
- Oregon (OR): The Beaver State
- Pennsylvania (PA): The Keystone State
- Rhode Island (RI): The Ocean State
- South Carolina (SC): The Palmetto State
- South Dakota (SD): Mount Rushmore State
- Tennessee (TN): The Volunteer State
- Texas (TX): The Lone Star State
- Utah (UT): The Beehive State
- Vermont (VT): The Green Mountain State
- Virginia (VA): The Old Dominion State
- Washington (WA): The Evergreen State
- West Virginia (WV): The Mountain State
- Wisconsin (WI): The Badger State
- Wyoming (WY): The Equality State/The Cowboy State
Be honest: How many state nicknames did you actually know?
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
