What Are People From Mississippi Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from Mississippi is:

Mississippian

Pronunciation:

/ˌmɪsɪˈsɪpiən/

Ends in -ian — see how this suffix works

Mississippi in United States
Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

About Mississippi

Jackson is the capital and largest city of Mississippi, located on the Pearl River near the center of the state. Mississippi was admitted to the Union on December 10, 1817, as the 20th state. The city was named for President Andrew Jackson and became the capital in 1821. Mississippi's culture is deeply tied to the Delta, the fertile region that gave birth to the blues, and the city preserves that heritage through museums, music venues, and festivals. The state's economy depends on agriculture, manufacturing, and energy, with a strong river culture shaping daily life. Jackson is also home to the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Eudora Welty House, which honors the Pulitzer Prize-winning author who lived here. Its historic downtown and civic institutions reflect a capital that carries both deep traditions and a forward-looking sense of community.

Quick Facts about Mississippi
Population:
2,930,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

Recommended Geography Resources

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Etymology of the Mississippi Demonym

The name Mississippi is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) word Misi-ziibi, meaning "great river." The term was used by indigenous peoples for the vast waterway that forms the state's western border. French explorers adapted the name, spelling it Missisipi or Mississipi in early records.

The river's name became synonymous with the region, and the state adopted it upon joining the Union as the 20th state on December 10, 1817. The spelling "Mississippi" was standardized in the early 19th century. The demonym Mississippian follows the English convention of adding -ian to the state name.

Notable People Associated with Mississippi

The area's rich history is reflected in the remarkable people connected to it.

Music & Entertainment

Elvis Presley

Tupelo, Mississippi

The 'King of Rock and Roll,' one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

King of Rock and RollHeartbreak Hotel
Oprah Winfrey

Kosciusko, Mississippi

A media mogul, talk show host, actress, and philanthropist who became one of the most influential women in the world.

The Oprah Winfrey ShowMedia Mogul
B.B. King

Berclair, Mississippi

The 'King of the Blues,' a legendary guitarist and singer who introduced a sophisticated style of soloing.

King of the BluesThe Thrill Is Gone
Jim Henson

Greenville, Mississippi

The puppeteer and filmmaker who created the Muppets and 'Sesame Street.'

Creator of the Muppets

Literature & Arts

William Faulkner

New Albany, Mississippi

A Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for his complex works set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County.

Nobel Prize in LiteratureThe Sound and the Fury
Tennessee Williams

Columbus, Mississippi

A playwright who wrote many of the most important plays of the 20th century, including 'A Streetcar Named Desire.'

Pulitzer Prize WinnerA Streetcar Named Desire

Civil Rights & Social Change

Medgar Evers

Decatur, Mississippi

A civil rights activist who served as the first field secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi.

Civil Rights Leader

Sports Legends

Walter Payton

Columbia, Mississippi

A Hall of Fame NFL running back who played for the Chicago Bears and is considered one of the greatest players in history.

NFL MVPSuper Bowl Champion

Top Things to Do in Mississippi

Actions

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