The Surprising Backstory Of Chicago’s Name

Tracing The Meaning Of Chicago’s Name Through History

The Native American Origins Of The Name Chicago

The name Chicago comes directly from the region's original Native American settlers, largely the Miami and Illinois communities. The bank plants of the Chicago River became known as the "wild onion" or "wild garlic," which refers to "shikaakwa." Among these salient points, this woody shrub took its image for naming inspiration for the region.

To the Native American tribes, wild garlic was not a weed but part of their daily sustenance and way of life. The plants were so fragrant that the country was thereby distinguished. This place was known to the indigenous tribes in the beginning of the advent of the 17th-century explorers as "shikaakwa." Then it was adopted in the French language as "Checagou." The pronounced French version served on several official documents, maps, now taking the modern-day form for a city under the name of Chicago. Besides, etymological sources determine the Native American and European trends that influence the fashioning of this present-day identity within this city's setting.

Chicago’s Location Played A Role In Its Naming

Since it was a center of trade and transportation, there was much more to its natural environment than flora. Its position between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River made Chicago an extremely important crossing for Native American tribes, especially in terms of trading and communicating over long distances. Thus, even before its official founding as a city, the area surrounding the Chicago River had been a critical meeting ground.

It was also not an inferior place for the French traders and explorers. They established trading posts along and about the river, during which time the name Checagou was applied in their records. As Chicago began to grow as a strong city, one characteristic in the development of its identity was being related to trade and travel.

Even the name derived importance from the river itself, the Chicago River. To those who lived and traveled the area, the river was much more than a natural feature; it was a lifeline. It was an important route for exploration, trade, and settlement due to its proximity to Lake Michigan and other rivers.

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Why The Name Chicago Still Matters Today

The meaning of the name Chicago means a great deal to its citizens, speaking volumes about what it was, who molded it, and how history and the present find their place within. You feel this meaning in schools, museums, public art, and monuments that keep it alive.

The name "Chicago" is of Native American origin, hence highly diverse roots. They remind one to respect and appreciate the cultures that once dwelled on this land. A tie to its history is only one of the things that makes Chicago so remarkable and different.

Chicago's history and name are honored at many locations. As a proud symbol and strong link to its history, the name Chicago is present everywhere, from the Chicago Riverwalk to its flag.

Chicago got its name from a Native American word for wild garlic, symbolizing strong roots and unique character—just like your home or business. At Deep Cleaning Chicago, we honor that spirit by providing thorough, refreshing cleaning services that bring new life to your space.