The name "Pennsylvania" immediately conjures images of its founder, William Penn, and its rich Quaker heritage. While the name itself explicitly links to Penn, its full form and the historical context reveal a fascinating interplay of dedication, humility, and royal decree.
Beyond Pennsylvania: Unpacking the Quaker State's Original Naming
Unlike some states whose names stem from Indigenous languages, Pennsylvania's designation is distinctly European, directly reflecting its colonial foundation. To understand its "original name," we must look to the proprietor and the king who sanctioned its creation.
Penn's Woods: A Royal Grant and a Founder's Modesty
The name Pennsylvania is derived from two components:
- "Penn": This directly refers to William Penn, the Quaker philosopher and real estate entrepreneur who founded the Province of Pennsylvania.
- "Sylvania": This is a Latin word meaning "forest" or "woods."
So, the name literally translates to "Penn's Woods."
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The Royal Charter (1681): The official "original name" was established when King Charles II of England granted William Penn a vast tract of land in America on March 4, 1681. This grant was made to settle a debt the King owed to Penn's deceased father, Admiral Sir William Penn.
The Naming Controversy: Humility vs. Honor
Interestingly, William Penn himself was initially reluctant about the name "Pennsylvania."
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Penn's Objection: Penn, a devout Quaker, was known for his humility. He feared that naming the colony after himself would be seen as an act of self-glorification, which went against his religious principles. He reportedly tried to change the name several times.
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King Charles II's Insistence: However, King Charles II insisted on the name "Pennsylvania" in honor of Admiral Sir William Penn, the elder. The King was determined to commemorate the admiral's service to the Crown. To assuage the younger Penn's concerns about humility, the King even claimed that "Sylvania" referred to the elder Penn (as if it meant "Penn's forest") rather than William Jr. wanting to name it after himself. This somewhat contrived explanation allowed the name to stick while respecting Penn's modesty.
The "Proprietary Colony of Pennsylvania"
Once established by the royal charter, the territory was officially known as the "Proprietary Colony of Pennsylvania." It was unique in its founding principles, envisioned by Penn as a "Holy Experiment" – a place where people of different faiths could live together in peace and freedom, guided by Quaker ideals. This vision attracted a diverse array of settlers from across Europe.
The "original name" of the state of Pennsylvania was, from its very inception through royal charter in 1681, "Pennsylvania." This name, meaning "Penn's Woods," was bestowed by King Charles II in honor of William Penn's father, Admiral Sir William Penn, despite the younger William Penn's initial objections based on his Quaker humility. Thus, the name of the Keystone State is a direct, enduring legacy of its founder and the peculiar circumstances of its creation.
