New York Symbols, State Names

Browse the state's symbols; state animal, state bird, state flower, state flag, state fossil, state insect, state motto, state seal, state tree, color, dance, fish, mammal, music, nut, reptile seal, and miscellaneous designations, emblems, and mascot of each state with pictures. Find origin of the state name. View the state almanacs, state timelines and peruse state facts and stats such as the capitol, location, and date admitted to the union.

Nick Name

Northeast

Empire State - For its wealth and variety of resources.
Excelsior - State motto.
Knickerbocker State - Breeches worn by early Dutch settlers.

Origin of Name

In honor of the Duke of York

New York was named by the British to honor the the Duke of York and Albany, the brother of England's King Charles II, when New Amsterdam was taken from the Dutch in 1664. New York became the name of the state and the city.