List of U.S State Slogans, Mottos, and Nicknames: A Comprehensive Guide

Throughout the history of the United States, each state has adopted a unique slogan, motto, or nickname that reflects its heritage, natural wonders, achievements, or ambitions.

These emblems of identity provide insight into the distinct character of every state and foster a sense of pride among its inhabitants.

This article dives deep into the slogans, mottos, and nicknames of each state, offering readers a panoramic view of America’s diverse tapestry.

Understanding State Symbols

State symbols, which include slogans, mottos, and nicknames, play a pivotal role in shaping the identity and perceptions of a state. They often derive from historical events, geographical features, or state aspirations, acting as markers of the state’s unique heritage.

State Slogans: The Essence of a Region

State slogans typically aim to promote tourism and encapsulate the state’s most compelling qualities. Here are a few notable examples:

California: “Find Yourself Here” – A nod to California’s diverse landscapes and opportunities for self-discovery.

Florida: “The Sunshine State” – Celebrating its abundant sunny weather and warm climate.

New York: “I Love New York” – An emblematic slogan that has been passionately embraced by both residents and visitors alike.

State Mottos: Timeless Proclamations

Mottos are often philosophical or aspirational statements. Here are select state mottos and their interpretations:

New Hampshire: “Live Free or Die” – Underscoring the state’s deep-rooted values of liberty and independence.

Maryland: “Fatti maschii, parole femine” (Manly deeds, womanly words) – Highlighting a balanced approach to action and diplomacy.

State Nicknames: Endearing Monikers

Nicknames are more informal and can reflect a state’s culture, people, or significant products. A few examples include:

Georgia: “The Peach State” – Signifying its significant peach production.

Texas: “The Lone Star State” – Representing its independent spirit and history as a former independent republic.

Creating a slogan, motto, and nickname for each of the states you listed can be a creative exercise.

Here’s a list of the 50 states and the slogans associated with each—many of which appear on license plates. Do you think your state has a fitting slogan?

State	Slogan	Motto	Nickname
Texas	“Lone Star State”	Friendship	Lone Star State
Arizona	“Grand Canyon State”	Ditat Deus	Grand Canyon State
Wyoming	“Equality State”	Equal Rights	Cowboy State
Wisconsin	“America’s Dairyland”	Forward	Badger State
West Virginia	“Wild, Wonderful”	Montani Semper Liberi	Mountain State
Washingtons	“Evergreen State”	Alki	Evergreen State
Virginia	“Virginia is for Lovers”	Sic Semper Tyrannis	Old Dominion
Vermont	“Green Mountain State”	Freedom and Unity	Green Mountain State
Utah	“Life Elevated”	Industry	Beehive State
Tennessee	“Volunteer State”	Agriculture, Commerce, Art	Volunteer State
South Dakota	“Great Faces, Great Places”	Under God the People Rule	Mount Rushmore State
South Carolinas	“Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places”	Dum Spiro Spero	Palmetto State
Rhode Islands	“Ocean State”	Hope	Little Rhody
Pennsylvania	“Keystone State”	Virtue, Liberty, and Independence	Keystone State
Oregon	“Pacific Wonderland”	Alis Volat Propriis	Beaver State
Oklahoma	“Native America”	Labor Omnia Vincit	Sooner State
Ohio	“The Heart of It All”	With God, All Things Are Possible	Buckeye State
North Dakotas	“Legendary”	Liberty and Union	Peace Garden State
North Carolina	“First in Flight”	Esse Quam Videri	Tar Heel State
New Yorks	“Empire State”	Excelsior	Empire State
New Mexico	“Land of Enchantment”	Crescit Eundo	Land of Enchantment
New Jersey	“Garden State”	Liberty and Prosperity	Garden State
New Hampshire	“Live Free or Die”	Live Free or Die	Granite State
Nevada	“Silver State”	All for Our Country	Silver State
Nebraska	“The Good Life”	Equality Before the Law	Cornhusker State
Montana	“Treasure State”	Oro y Plata	Big Sky Country
Missouri	“Show-Me State”	Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto	Show-Me State
Mississippi	“The Hospitality State”	Virtute et Armis	Magnolia State
Minnesota	“Land of 10,000 Lakes”	L’Étoile du Nord	North Star State
Michigan	“Great Lakes State”	Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam, Circumspice	Wolverine State
Massachusetts	“The Spirit of America”	Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem	Bay State
Marylands	“America in Miniature”	Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine	Old Line State
Maine	“Vacationland”	Dirigo	Pine Tree State
Louisiana	“Sportsman’s Paradise”	Union, Justice, Confidence	Pelican State
Kentucky	“Unbridled Spirit”	United We Stand, Divided We Fall	Bluegrass State
Kansas	“Midway USA”	Ad Astra per Aspera	Sunflower State
Iowa	“Fields of Opportunity”	Our Liberties We Prize	Hawkeye State
Indiana	“Crossroads of America”	The Crossroads of America	Hoosier State
Illinois	“Land of Lincoln”	State Sovereignty, National Union	Prairie State
Idaho	“Gem State”	Esto Perpetua	Gem State
Hawaii	“Aloha State”	Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono	Aloha State
Georgia	“Peach State”	Wisdom, Justice, Moderation	Peach State
Florida	“Sunshine State”	In God We Trust	Sunshine State
Delawares	“The First State”	Liberty and Independence	First State
Connecticut	“Constitution State”	Qui Transtulit Sustinet	Constitution State
Colorado	“Colorful Colorado”	Nil Sine Numine	Centennial State
California	“Golden State”	Eureka	Golden State
Arkansas	“The Natural State”	Regnat Populus	Natural State
Alaskas	“The Last Frontier”	North to the Future	The Last Frontier
Alabama	“Heart of Dixie”	Audemus jura nostra defendere	Yellowhammer State

Other City Slogans, Mottos & Nicknames

City	Slogan	Motto	Nickname
Copenhagen	“Nordic Charm, Global Heart”	“Where Tradition Meets Innovation”	“The City of Spires”
Cologne	“Cultural Kaleidoscope by the Rhine”	“Unity in Diversity”	“The Cathedral City”
Chicago	“Windy City Wonders”	“City of Big Shoulders”	“The Second City”
Brooklyns	“Where Diversity Shapes Unity”	“In Unity, We Thrive”	“The Borough”
Boston	“Revolution to Innovation”	“Strength Through Knowledge”	“Beantown”
Berlin	“Where History and Creativity Converge”	“Arm in Arm, We Shape Tomorrow”	“The Grey City”
Barcelona	“Mediterranean Magic”	“Passion for Progress”	“The City of Counts”
Baltimore	“Charm City Stories”	“Stronger Through Resilience”	“Charm City”
Austins	“Keep Austins Weird”	“Live Your Uniqueness”	“The Live Music Capital”
Atlanta	“Southern Soul, Global Pulse”	“Progress and Harmony”	“The A-T-L”
Columbia	“Where Rivers and Dreams Converge”	“Strong Roots, New Heights”	“The Capital City”
Sydney	“Harbor of Dreams”	“Ever Forward, Ever Sydney”	“The Emerald City”
Paris	“City of Lights, Love, and Culture”	“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”	“The City of Love”
Philadelphia	“Where Freedom Rings”	“In Unity, We Prosper”	“Philly”
Pittsburgh	“Bridging Innovation and Tradition”	“Strong as Steel, United as a City”	“The Steel City”
Queensland	“Sunshine State of Mind”	“Diverse Land, United People”	“The Sunshine State”
Rome	“Eternal Beauty, Timeless Legacy”	“From Antiquity to Modernity”	“The Eternal City”
San Diego	“Sunny Shores, Bright Futures”	“Pioneering Spirit, Endless Possibilities”	“America’s Finest City”
San Francisco	“Golden Gate to Innovation”	“Innovation for a Better Tomorrow”	“The Golden City”
Seattle	“Emerald City, Evergreen Dreams”	“Invent the Future, Honor the Past”	“The Emerald City”
Toronto	“Dynamic Diversity, Northern Lights”	“Strength in Diversity”	“The 6ix”
Ontarios	“Where Great Lakes and Dreams Meet”	“Strong as the Waters, Bold as the Dreams”	“The Heartland”
Nashvilles	“Music, Soul, and Southern Charm”	“Harmony in Diversity”	“Music City”
Miami	“Vibrant Rhythms, Ocean Dreams”	“Forever in Motion”	“The Magic City”
Los Angeles	“City of Angels, Dreams, and Glamour”	“Diversity in Unity”	“La-La Land”
London	“Where History Shapes Tomorrow”	“By Strength and Unity”	“The Big Smoke”
Las Vegas	“Lights, Luck, and Limitless Adventure”	“Dream Big, Gamble Wisely”	“Sin City”
Houston	“Energy, Diversity, Opportunity”	“Bold Ideas, Bright Future”	“Space City”
Dubai	“Where Dreams Reach for the Sky”	“Building Beyond Boundaries”	“The City of Gold”
Dallas	“Modern Spirit, Texan Soul”	“Live Large, Think Big”	“The Big D”

Conclusion

State slogans, mottos, and nicknames are more than just catchphrases or monikers. They encapsulate the essence, history, and spirit of each state, providing a unique lens through which one can appreciate the diverse and rich tapestry of the United States.

By understanding these symbols, one gains a deeper insight into the multifaceted identities of America’s individual states and the nation as a whole.