Delaware
/ˈdɛləwɛr/noun
A U.S. state and a river, also the name of an Indigenous people and language.
Did you know?The name Delaware was originally applied by English colonists to the river and the people living around it, and it ultimately honors Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, not a Native word.
Etymological Timeline
1610s
English
De La Warr
“The family name of Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman”
1610s
English
the Delaware River
“An English colonial name for the river, named in honor of Lord De La Warr”
1610s
English
Delaware Indians
“A colonial English name for the Lenape people living along the river”
18th Century
English
Delaware
“A regional and political name in English use for the river, people, and territory”
Modern English
English
Delaware
“The U.S. state, river, and historical name of the Lenape people”