Native American moccasins; the name "moccasin" originates from the Algonquian language (as does the name "Massachusetts"). Photo by Arjay on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / no derivative works).
What does "Massachusetts" mean?
The name "Massachusetts" originates with native Americans in the Massachusetts Bay area (from the language of the Algonquian nation). The name translates roughly as "at or about the great hill." All State Name Origins
Possible interpretations of the exact origin of the word Massachusetts:
"Messatossec" (great hills mouth).
"Mess," "mass," or "massa" (great).
"Atsco," "as chu," or "wad chu" (hill).
"Sec," "sac" or "saco" (mouth).
"Massawachusett" (great mountain place).
Wachusett (mountain place).
"Moswetuset" (arrowhead); describes the Great Blue Hill region south of Boston.
