Why is the panhandle of Texas called panhandle?

The Texas Panhandle region derives its name from historical accounts suggesting it resembled the handle of a frying pan due to its distinctive geographic shape. While the origin of the term "panhandle" is unknown, its usage became prominent due to historical maps depicting Texas with this geographical protrusion resembling the handle of a skillet or frying pan. The shape led cartographers to label it as "Pan de Texas" which evolved into what is now knowns as the Panhandle region.