By Ken Virden
Discover Wisconsin
As Wisconsinites, we laugh at the attempts of non-locals trying to pronounce many of our unique Native American town and city names. Although we love these places, how well do we know the history of their name origins?
Milwaukee
Translating to the "rich and beautiful land" by the Potawatomi, the spelling of the most well-known city on this list has been debated many times. The original Native pronunciation was derived from "Man-a-waukee" according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Aug. 22, 1881.
Kenosha
Although there is debate over whether its origin is Menominee or Potawatomi, most have agreed that "Kenosha" is the translation of "Ken-new-see," which roughly means "place of the pike."
Shawano
Most Wisconsinites will know that this northeastern town is pronounced "Shaw-no" and not "Shaw-ah-no" or "Shay-wah-no." Its Ojibwe word was "Zhaawanong," which loosely means "in the south" or "of the south." Funny, considering its way up nort der.
Waunakee
Originally known as the town of Leicester in 1870, this Madison suburb later changed its name to Waunakee, which translates to "fair and pleasant valley" - an appropriate choice given the lovely rolling hills and cozy atmosphere the town evokes.
Oshkosh
The city was inspired by Chief Oskosh of the Menominee who ceded the city to the United States government in 1836. The English translation adds the first 'h' to the spelling and soon the city founds its name.
Kaukauna
Kaukauna Matata? Not quite how you pronounce this Fox Valley city. Pronounced "kaw-kaw-nuh" or "Ogaq-kane" in Menominee tongue, which roughly translates to "place of the pike." Notice the similarities between Kenosha and its translation?
Waukesha
Contrary to popular belief, Waukesha does not translate to "fox" but instead was the name of a local Potawatomi leader of the area. The English written translation came from Potawatomi words of "Waagoshag or Wau-tsha."
Oconomowoc
The town every Wisconsinite uses to tease their non-local friends, "Coo-no-mo-wauk" was the Ho-Chunk word that inspired Oconomowoc's name which means "waterfall" or "river of lakes" - an accurate name if you've ever visited the beautiful region.
Suamico
"Oussuamigong" is the original Menominee word for "place of yellow beaver" or "the beavers tail" among other similar translations. Regardless, it's probably good we now have an easier spelling of this Green Bay suburb.
Minocqua
Originally "Ninoqua," meaning "noon-day rest" by the Ojibwe, Minocqua is probably the most suitable name choice for this northern summer retreat town. I'm sure most of us wouldn't mind spending our own noon-day rest by one of the town's many beautiful lakes.
Mequon
Ojibwe used the word "miquan" as a meaning for "ladle." This peculiar name was decided upon due to the way each river in the area bends into a ladle shape. Other speculation of the words meaning have also been "feather" or "pigeon" but have been disputed by historians.
Muskego
Muskellunge? Almost there. The Potawatomi word "Mus-kee-Guaac" means "sunfish," which inspired the town name.
Tomah
It is not a shortened version of Tomahawk. It's instead a Native translation of "Thomas." Thomas Carron was a prominent individual in the area who decided to integrate himself into the local tribe and had his title changed to Chief Tomah.
Do you know the name origins of other Wisconsin Native American named locations that did not make this list? Let us know on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Ken Virden is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
Discover Wisconsin
As Wisconsinites, we laugh at the attempts of non-locals trying to pronounce many of our unique Native American town and city names. Although we love these places, how well do we know the history of their name origins?
Milwaukee
Translating to the "rich and beautiful land" by the Potawatomi, the spelling of the most well-known city on this list has been debated many times. The original Native pronunciation was derived from "Man-a-waukee" according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Aug. 22, 1881.
Kenosha
Although there is debate over whether its origin is Menominee or Potawatomi, most have agreed that "Kenosha" is the translation of "Ken-new-see," which roughly means "place of the pike."
Shawano
Most Wisconsinites will know that this northeastern town is pronounced "Shaw-no" and not "Shaw-ah-no" or "Shay-wah-no." Its Ojibwe word was "Zhaawanong," which loosely means "in the south" or "of the south." Funny, considering its way up nort der.
Waunakee
Originally known as the town of Leicester in 1870, this Madison suburb later changed its name to Waunakee, which translates to "fair and pleasant valley" - an appropriate choice given the lovely rolling hills and cozy atmosphere the town evokes.
Oshkosh
The city was inspired by Chief Oskosh of the Menominee who ceded the city to the United States government in 1836. The English translation adds the first 'h' to the spelling and soon the city founds its name.
Kaukauna
Kaukauna Matata? Not quite how you pronounce this Fox Valley city. Pronounced "kaw-kaw-nuh" or "Ogaq-kane" in Menominee tongue, which roughly translates to "place of the pike." Notice the similarities between Kenosha and its translation?
Waukesha
Contrary to popular belief, Waukesha does not translate to "fox" but instead was the name of a local Potawatomi leader of the area. The English written translation came from Potawatomi words of "Waagoshag or Wau-tsha."
Oconomowoc
The town every Wisconsinite uses to tease their non-local friends, "Coo-no-mo-wauk" was the Ho-Chunk word that inspired Oconomowoc's name which means "waterfall" or "river of lakes" - an accurate name if you've ever visited the beautiful region.
Suamico
"Oussuamigong" is the original Menominee word for "place of yellow beaver" or "the beavers tail" among other similar translations. Regardless, it's probably good we now have an easier spelling of this Green Bay suburb.
Minocqua
Originally "Ninoqua," meaning "noon-day rest" by the Ojibwe, Minocqua is probably the most suitable name choice for this northern summer retreat town. I'm sure most of us wouldn't mind spending our own noon-day rest by one of the town's many beautiful lakes.
Mequon
Ojibwe used the word "miquan" as a meaning for "ladle." This peculiar name was decided upon due to the way each river in the area bends into a ladle shape. Other speculation of the words meaning have also been "feather" or "pigeon" but have been disputed by historians.
Muskego
Muskellunge? Almost there. The Potawatomi word "Mus-kee-Guaac" means "sunfish," which inspired the town name.
Tomah
It is not a shortened version of Tomahawk. It's instead a Native translation of "Thomas." Thomas Carron was a prominent individual in the area who decided to integrate himself into the local tribe and had his title changed to Chief Tomah.
Do you know the name origins of other Wisconsin Native American named locations that did not make this list? Let us know on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Ken Virden is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.