State Name Origin: Alaska

The name "Alaska" was introduced in the Russian colonial period when it was used to
refer to the peninsula. It was derived from an Aleut, or Unangam (the indigenous people
of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska) idiom, which symbolically refers to the mainland or
shore of Alaska. Figuratively, it means object to which the action of the sea is directed.
It is also known as Alyeska, the "great land", an Aleut word derived from the same root.
The name Alaska comes from the language of the area's indigenous people and is
derived from the Yupik word "Alyeska," meaning "great land" or "that which the sea
breaks against."
The Aleuts lived on the Aleutian Islands, a chain that extends westward from a large
peninsula in south-western Alaska. The first large island is Unimak Island, where the
village of False Pass and Shishaldin Volcano sit. From their perspective, the peninsula
led to a large land, the continent of North America.
The name "Alaska" was also used by early Russian and British explorers and settlers to
refer only to the peninsula. This name was used by the United States to refer first to the
entire Territory and then to the State after its purchase in 1867.

Alaska Nicknames
Alaska has no official nickname although, when it joined the union in 1959 a number of
suggestions were made. Alaska is more commonly (but unofficially) known as The Last
Frontier, or The Land of the Midnight Sun. Alaska license plates display North to the
Future It was even at one time referred to as Up Over (in comic opposition to New
Zealand and Australia, which are "Down Under").
 The Last Frontier - Alaska, admitted as the 49th state on January 03, 1959 to
the union is thought of as "America's Last Frontier" because of it's distance from
the lower 48 states and it's rugged landscape, climate, and the sun shines nearly
around the clock during Alaskan summers.

 Land of the Midnight Sun - Refers to Alaska's northern locations where, for a
period of time, in the summer, the sun never completely dips below the horizon.
The sun is visible at midnight. Some parts of Alaska such as Barrow, the sun
doesn't set for 84 days.

 The Great Land - The name Alaska is derived from the Yupik word "Alyeska,"
meaning "great land" or "that which the sea breaks against." (previously used on
license plates)
 Seward's Folly - After the agreement to purchase Alaska, 1867 the name was
given after Secretary of State William Seward, who proposed the often-ridiculed
purchase and the official acceptance of the name Alaska.

 Seward's Icebox - Derisive name given to the Alaska territory during the battle
between Secretary of State William H. Seward and the United States Congress
over the purchase of the land from Russia.

 Russian America - Before it was purchased by the United States in 1867.

 Territory of Baranov - For Alexander Baranov, the early Russian leader on this
continent.

 Mainland State - The name "Alaska" is derived from the Aleut "alaxsxaq",
meaning "the mainland" or, more literally, "the object towards which the action of
the sea is directed".

 The 49th State - On January 3, 1959, President Eisenhower signs a special

proclamation admitting the territory of Alaska into the Union as the 49th and
largest state.

 Sourdough State - Sourdough is associated with gold rushes. During the Alaska
gold rush, it was practically illegal to enter the state without sourdough. It kept
you alive. A sourdough is someone who has weathered some time in Alaska.

 North Star State (this name also being claimed by Minnesota).

 Up Over - Up Over (in comic opposition to New Zealand and Australia, which are
"Down Under").