Michigander
/ˌmɪʃɪˈɡændər/noun
A native or resident of the U.S. state of Michigan.
Did you know?The demonym was once criticized as undignified, and alternatives such as “Michiganian” were promoted, but Michigander ultimately became the state’s best-known informal designation.
Etymological Timeline
Ojibwe
Ojibwe
mishigami
“A traditional form commonly interpreted as “great lake” or “large body of water,” the source generally connected with Michigan.”
17th–18th Century
French
Michigami / Michigan
“French colonial forms representing the Indigenous place-name for the Great Lakes region.”
19th Century
English
Michigan
“The name of the U.S. territory and later state, associated with the Great Lakes.”
1830s–1840s
American English
Michigander
“A newly formed demonym, created by attaching the jocular ending “-ander” to Michigan; its exact first coinage is disputed.”
19th Century
English
Michigander
“A term sometimes used mockingly or politically instead of the more formal “Michiganian.””
Modern English
English
Michigander
“The common informal name for a person from Michigan, now used neutrally or proudly.”