15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
Read more
What Are People From Missouri Called?
North America, United States
The demonym for people from Missouri is:
About Missouri
Jefferson City is the capital of Missouri and sits on the south bank of the Missouri River in the central part of the state. Missouri was admitted to the Union on August 10, 1821, as the 24th state, following the Missouri Compromise debates. The city was named for President Thomas Jefferson and has served as the capital since 1826. Missouri sits at a crossroads of the nation, and the state's economy includes aerospace, agriculture, and transportation. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis symbolizes the westward expansion that shaped the region, and the state capitol here recalls its role in that history. The city's riverfront, government institutions, and nearby wine country give Jefferson City a distinctive character. Together, these features show a capital that connects Missouri's river heritage with the broader story of American growth.
Quick Facts about Missouri
- Population:
- 6,190,000 (2024 est.)
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- North America
Recommended Geography Resources
Want to explore where Missourians live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
National Geographic Atlas of the World
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
▶See more options
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Etymology of the Missouri Demonym
The name Missouri comes from the Missouri tribe, a group of the Siouan language family. The tribal name is believed to mean "town of the large canoes" or "people with wooden canoes," from the Illinois language ouemessourita.
French explorers recorded the name as Missouri in the late 17th century, and it was applied to the river and the region. Missouri became the 24th state on August 10, 1821. The demonym Missourian is formed by adding -ian to the state name, following standard English practice.
Notable People Associated with Missouri
This place has been connected to many influential figures throughout history.
Literature & Arts
Mark Twain
Florida, Missouri
The pen name of Samuel Clemens, a world-renowned author and humorist known for 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.'
The Adventures of Tom SawyerHuckleberry Finn
Maya Angelou
St. Louis, Missouri
A poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist best known for her series of seven autobiographies.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Politics & Leadership
Harry S. Truman
Lamar, Missouri
The 33rd President of the United States, who led the country through the final stages of World War II.
33rd U.S. PresidentTruman Doctrine
Business & Innovation
George Washington Carver
Diamond, Missouri
An agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion.
Agricultural ScientistInventor
Music & Entertainment
Sheryl Crow
Kennett, Missouri
A singer-songwriter and musician whose music incorporates elements of pop, rock, country, and blues.
Nine-time Grammy Winner
Walt Disney
Chicago, Illinois (Raised in Marceline, Missouri)
The pioneer of the American animation industry who introduced several developments in the production of cartoons.
Founder of DisneyCreator of Mickey Mouse
Brad Pitt
Shawnee, Oklahoma (Raised in Springfield, Missouri)
An Academy Award-winning actor and film producer known for his roles in 'Fight Club' and 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.'
Academy Award WinnerFight Club
Sports Legends
Yogi Berra
St. Louis, Missouri
A Hall of Fame baseball catcher, manager, and coach who won 10 World Series championships with the New York Yankees.
10-time World Series ChampionThree-time AL MVP
Places near Missouri
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Top Things to Do in Missouri
Quick Facts
- Population:
- 6,190,000 (2024 est.)
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- North America
Latest Articles
20 Place Names That Were Literally Translated, Explained
From Montenegro to Naples, these 20 place names that were literally translated show how languages rebuild geography — and what the originals mean.
Read more
Recommended Geography Resources
Want to explore where Missourians live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
National Geographic Atlas of the World
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
▶See more options
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Test Your Knowledge
Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →Learn More
Actions
Test Your Knowledge
Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →More demonyms from North America
Discover demonyms from other places in this region
Alabama
Alaska
Albany
Annapolis
Arizona
Atlanta
Augusta
Austin
Baltimore
Baton Rouge
Bismarck
Boise
Boston
Calgary
California
Canada
Carson City
Charleston
Cheyenne
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Colorado
Columbia
Columbus
Concord
Connecticut
Dallas
Delaware
Denver
Des Moines
Detroit
Dover
Edmonton
Florida
Frankfort
Georgia
Guadalajara
Halifax
Harrisburg
Hartford
Hawaii
Helena
Honolulu
Houston
Idaho
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Jackson
Jefferson City
Juneau
Kansas City
Kentucky
Lansing
Las Vegas
Lincoln
Little Rock
Los Angeles
Louisiana
Madison
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mexico
Mexico City
Miami
Michigan
Minneapolis
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
Monterrey
Montgomery
Montpelier
Montreal
Nashville
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New Orleans
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Olympia
Oregon
Ottawa
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Pierre
Pittsburgh
Portland
Providence
Quebec City
Raleigh
Rhode Island
Richmond
Sacramento
Saint Paul
Salem
Salt Lake City
San Antonio
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose
Santa Fe
Seattle
South Carolina
South Dakota
Springfield
St. Louis
Tallahassee
Tampa
Tennessee
Texas
Topeka
Toronto
Trenton
Utah
Vancouver
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Winnipeg
Wisconsin
Wyoming