The name Maryland comes from the name of Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I of England. Maryland was the first colony to be named after a woman. The name Maryland was chosen by George Calvert, the founder of the colony, in honor of his mother, Lady Mary Calvert. Maryland was originally known as Terra Mariae (Mary's Land) and was named by the Catholic colonists who settled there. The name Maryland has been used to refer to the state since the 17th century, and it was officially adopted as the state's name in 1788. The nickname Old Line State is sometimes used to refer to Maryland, which refers to the state's history as one of the original 13 colonies. The name Maryland is also associated with the Maryland flag, which features the colors red, white, black, and gold, and features the image of the Maryland state crest. The state song of Maryland is Maryland, My Maryland, which was written by James Ryder Randall in 1861 and is often played at official state events. Maryland has a rich history and culture, including a strong tradition of agriculture, seafood, and sports, particularly baseball and football. Maryland is home to many famous people, including Francis Scott Key, who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner, and Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Maryland is also home to many important historical sites, including Fort McHenry, where the flag that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner was raised during the War of 1812, and the Antietam National Battlefield, which was the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.

The root form of Maryland is Maryland — meaning Mary’s land.

Maryland remains a beloved choice, ranking #6 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.