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What Are People From New Mexico Called?
North America, United States
The demonym for people from New Mexico is:
New Mexican
Pronunciation:
/njuː ˈmɛksɪkən/
About New Mexico
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the north-central part of the state. New Mexico was admitted to the Union on January 6, 1912, as the 47th state. The city was founded by Spanish colonists in 1610 and is among the oldest continuously inhabited capital cities in the United States. Its heritage blends Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions, visible in its adobe architecture, arts scene, and historic plaza. Santa Fe is an important center for aerospace and scientific research, with nearby national laboratories contributing to the regional economy. The city's art galleries, museums, and annual festivals draw visitors from around the world, while its historic Palace of the Governors reflects centuries of government and cultural exchange.
Quick Facts about New Mexico
- Population:
- 2,110,000 (2024 est.)
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- North America
Recommended Geography Resources
Want to explore where New Mexicans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
National Geographic Atlas of the World
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Etymology of the New Mexico Demonym
The name New Mexico is derived from the country of Mexico, which itself comes from the Nahuatl word Mēxihco, the Aztec capital (now Mexico City). Spanish explorers in the 16th century named the region north of the Rio Grande "Nuevo México" after the rich lands of the Mexica (Aztecs), hoping to find similar wealth.
The term Mexico in Nahuatl likely means "place of the Mexica" or "place at the center of the Moon's lake" (from metztli = moon, xictli = navel/center, -co = place). The Spanish colonial province of Nuevo México was established in 1598, making it one of the oldest European place names in the U.S.
New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912. The demonym New Mexican follows the English pattern of adding -an or -en to the place name.
Notable People Associated with New Mexico
Numerous individuals with ties to this area have shaped culture, politics, and society.
Literature & Arts
Georgia O'Keeffe
Sun Prairie, WI (Lived in NM)
Renowned artist known for her paintings of enlarged flowers and New Mexico landscapes.
Mother of American Modernism
Business & Innovation
Jeff Bezos
Albuquerque, NM
Founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, one of the world's wealthiest individuals.
E-commerce and Space Exploration
Bill Gates
Seattle, WA (Founded Microsoft in NM)
Co-founder of Microsoft; founded the company in Albuquerque in 1975.
Software Revolution and Philanthropy
Politics & Leadership
Geronimo
Gila River, NM
Prominent leader and medicine man from the Bedonkohe band of the Apache people.
Resistance against Mexican and U.S. expansion
Music & Entertainment
John Denver
Roswell, NM
Folk singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Take Me Home, Country Roads'.
Acoustic music and environmental activism
Demi Lovato
Albuquerque, NM
Pop singer and actress who rose to fame on the Disney Channel.
Powerful vocals and mental health advocacy
Sports Legends
Brian Urlacher
Pasco, WA (Raised in Lovington, NM)
NFL linebacker who played his entire 13-year career with the Chicago Bears.
Pro Football Hall of Famer
Al Unser
Albuquerque, NM
Automobile racing driver, one of only four to win the Indianapolis 500 four times.
IndyCar Legend
Places near New Mexico
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Top Things to Do in New Mexico
Quick Facts
- Population:
- 2,110,000 (2024 est.)
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- North America
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Recommended Geography Resources
Want to explore where New Mexicans 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
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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
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