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 Moscow Called?
Eastern Europe, Russia
The demonym for people from Moscow is:
About Moscow
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, serving as the country's political and economic center. It is first mentioned in chronicles in 1147, when it was a small fortress on the Moskva River. Over the centuries the city grew into the heart of the Russian state, and its skyline reflects Orthodox churches, imperial palaces, and Soviet-era monuments. Home to the Kremlin and Red Square, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city draws visitors from around the world. Residents are called Muscovites, a name taken from Muscovy, the historic Western term for the Russian state centered on Moscow. Its metro, theaters, and museums add to the city's grand character. The Moscow Metro, known for its ornate stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers, and sculptures, is one of the busiest subway systems in the world and a sight in its own right.
Quick Facts about Moscow
- Population:
- About 13 million (2024 est.)
- Country:
- Russia
- Region:
- Eastern Europe
Recommended Geography Resources
Want to explore where Muscovites 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 Moscow Demonym
Named after the Moskva River on which it stands. The river's name is of uncertain origin, with proposed Finnic roots meaning something like 'dark' or 'muddy'.
Places near Moscow
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Saint Petersburg
about 635 km northwest
People are called:
Petersburger
Minsk
about 700 km west-southwest
People are called:
Minsker
Kyiv
about 750 km southwest
People are called:
Kyivan
Top Things to Do in Moscow
Quick Facts
- Population:
- About 13 million (2024 est.)
- Country:
- Russia
- Region:
- Eastern Europe
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 Muscovites 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 →