Americana
/ˌæm.ə.rɪˈkɑː.nə/noun
Objects, images, traditions, and cultural material regarded as characteristic of the United States.
Did you know?The name America itself was probably taken from the Latinized form of explorer Amerigo Vespucci’s first name, though the exact naming decision remains historically debated.
Etymological Timeline
Late 15th–Early 16th Century
Italian
Amerigo
“The Italian male name borne by explorer Amerigo Vespucci; its deeper Germanic name origin is associated with meanings such as “ruler” or “power.””
1507
Neo-Latin
America
“The feminine Latin form proposed by cartographer Martin Waldseemüller for the newly mapped land, apparently honoring Amerigo Vespucci.”
16th–18th Centuries
English
American
“Relating to America or its inhabitants; later used especially for the United States and its people.”
19th Century
English
Americana
“A formation from American with the Latin-style ending -ana, referring to things associated with American life and culture.”
20th Century
English
Americana
“A recognized cultural category encompassing American artifacts, folklore, music, imagery, and traditions.”
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