How did US states get their names?

The names of US states are derived from a variety of sources , including Native American tribes , expl or ers , and historical figures . Some states were named after the people who first settled the area , such as Virginia , named after Queen Elizabeth I of England , and Massachusetts , named after the Massachusetts Bay Col ony . Other states were named after expl or ers , such as Ohio , named after the Ohio River , and California , named after the Latin word for " be aut iful ." Some states were named after historical figures , such as Georgia , named after King George II of Great Britain , and Texas , named after the Mexican general August in de It urb ide . Overall , the names of US states reflect the rich history and diverse cultural influences of the country . </s>