How Tampa Got Its Name: From "Tanpa" to Tampa

Origin of Tampa's Name

Tampa was named in the early 19th century by Major Francis Le Baron. Before Spanish arrival, the area was inhabited by the Timucua and Calusa Native American tribes, with the Native American town of Uzita at the site of modern Tampa.

Etymology

The Calusa referred to the area as "Tanpa," meaning "stick in deep water" or "place of the firestick." This referred to a type of torch made from pine branches that local tribes used to illuminate shallow waters at night to attract and catch fish.

It is believed the Spanish adapted "Tanpa" to "Tampa," giving the city its current name.