Does "Pennsylvania" Mean "Woods"? Yes — "Penn's Woods"

Etymology Confirmed

The word Pennsylvania literally translates to "Penn's Woods" or "Penn's Forest."

Latin Roots

• Penn — Surname of Admiral Sir William Penn (father of the colony's founder). The king added it to honor the admiral.
• Sylvania — From Latin silva, silvae = "woodland, forest, grove."

Historical Moment

March 4, 1681: King Charles II signs the charter granting the territory to William Penn (the son). Penn had suggested "New Wales" then "Sylvania". The king inserted "Penn" — "Let it be called Pennsylvania, for thy father's sake."

Geographic Accuracy

The name was apt: the colony was ~90% forested in 1681 (oak, chestnut, pine, hemlock). Today, ~60% forest cover remains (16.6M acres).

Common Confusion

Some think "Penn" refers to William Penn the founder. It actually honors his father, the admiral. The son preferred "Sylvania" alone.