North Dakota

North America, United States
United States

People from North Dakota are called:

Male/General:

North Dakotan

Pronunciation:

/ˌnɔːrθ dəˈkoʊtən/

Quick Facts

Population:
790,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

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Etymology & Origin

The name North Dakota comes from the Dakota Sioux word Dakota, meaning "allies" or "friends." The Dakota are one of the major divisions of the Sioux nation. The Dakota Territory was split into North and South Dakota in 1889.

North Dakota became the 39th state on November 2, 1889. The demonym North Dakotan is formed by adding -an to the state name.

Notable People Associated with North Dakota

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

Music & Entertainment

Lawrence Welk

Strasburg, ND

Bandleader and TV personality, host of 'The Lawrence Welk Show'.

Champagne Music and long-running TV show
Peggy Lee

Jamestown, ND

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her sultry vocals and hits like 'Fever'.

Jazz and popular music icon
Josh Duhamel

Minot, ND

Actor known for his roles in 'Transformers' and 'Las Vegas'.

Film and television acting

Sports Legends

Phil Jackson

Deer Lodge, MT (Raised in Williston, ND)

NBA player and legendary coach who won 11 championships as a coach.

Winningest coach in NBA history
Roger Maris

Hibbing, MN (Raised in Fargo, ND)

MLB player who set the single-season home run record in 1961.

61 home runs in a single season

Literature & Arts

Louis L'Amour

Jamestown, ND

Prolific author of Western novels and short stories.

Authentic depictions of the American West

Politics & Leadership

Warren Christopher

Scranton, ND

Lawyer and diplomat who served as the 63rd U.S. Secretary of State.

Negotiating the Dayton Agreement
Sacagawea

Lemhi River Valley, ID (Lived in ND)

Shoshone woman who helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition achieve its goals.

Guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark

About North Dakota

  • Capital city: Bismarck.
  • Energy production (oil) and agriculture are key sectors.
  • Features prairie, Badlands, and Missouri River landscapes.
  • Admitted as the 39th state in 1889.

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