What Are People From North Dakota Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from North Dakota is:

North Dakotan

Pronunciation:

/ˌnɔːrθ dəˈkoʊtən/

North Dakota in United States
Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

About North Dakota

Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota and sits on the east bank of the Missouri River in the south-central part of the state. North Dakota was admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889, as the 39th state. The city was named after Otto von Bismarck, the German chancellor, in an effort to attract German investment and settlers to the region. Bismarck is a center of state government and the energy industry, reflecting the importance of oil and agriculture to the regional economy. The surrounding landscape features prairie, Badlands, and Missouri River scenery that make the state a memorable stop for travelers. The city's Lewis and Clark history and riverside trails give visitors a sense of the Northern Plains' past, while its government buildings and growing economy show how the capital continues to shape the state's future.

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

Recommended Geography Resources

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Etymology of the North Dakota Demonym

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

Top Things to Do in North Dakota

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