Pennsylvania: "Penn's Woods" — The Origin of the Name

From a Royal Charter to a Latin Tribute

The name Pennsylvania was coined in 1681 by King Charles II of England when he granted a proprietary charter to William Penn (the younger) for a colony in America.

Etymological Breakdown

• Penn — Honors Admiral Sir William Penn, the father of the colony's founder. The king owed the admiral a debt of £16,000; the land grant settled it.
• Sylvania — From Latin silva ("woods" or "forest").

Thus, Pennsylvania = "Penn's Woods" or "Penn's Forest."

Historical Context

• The younger William Penn (a Quaker) initially proposed "New Wales" then "Sylvania".
• Charles II insisted on adding "Penn" to honor the admiral.
• The charter defined the territory as west of the Delaware River, between 39° and 42° N.

Penn's Vision

Penn envisioned a "Holy Experiment" — a haven for religious freedom, fair dealings with Native Americans (Lenape), and democratic governance. The name reflected both the literal forests covering the land and the familial honor.