What Are People From Oklahoma Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from Oklahoma is:

Oklahoman

Pronunciation:

/ˌoʊkləˈhoʊmən/

Ends in -an — see how this suffix works

Oklahoma in United States
Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

About Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of Oklahoma, located near the center of the state on the North Canadian River. Oklahoma was admitted to the Union on November 16, 1907, as the 46th state. The city was founded during the 1889 land run and has grown into a center of government, energy, and agriculture. Oil and natural gas are key industries across the state, and the surrounding agricultural land supports a strong farm economy. Oklahoma has a significant Native American presence, with many tribal nations headquartered in the state, and the city's museums and cultural centers help preserve that heritage. Visitors enjoy the Oklahoma State Capitol, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and a revitalized downtown, which together reflect the state's Western identity and its lasting ties to Native American history.

Quick Facts about Oklahoma
Population:
4,050,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

Recommended Geography Resources

Want to explore where Oklahomans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:

National Geographic Atlas of the World

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Etymology of the Oklahoma Demonym

The name Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw words okla ("people") and humma ("red"), together meaning "red people." The term was coined by Choctaw Chief Allen Wright in 1866 to describe Indian Territory.

Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907. The demonym Oklahoman is formed by adding -an to the state name.

Notable People Associated with Oklahoma

Generations of talented individuals have been associated with this vibrant place.

Musician

Garth Brooks

Tulsa, Oklahoma

One of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for integrating rock and roll elements into country music.

Country music superstardom
Reba McEntire

McAlester, Oklahoma

Often referred to as 'The Queen of Country', she has sold over 75 million records worldwide.

Country music and acting

Actor

Brad Pitt

Shawnee, Oklahoma

Academy Award-winning actor and producer, known for roles in 'Fight Club', 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', and 'Moneyball'.

Film acting and producing
Bill Hader

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on 'Saturday Night Live' and the dark comedy series 'Barry'.

Comedy and acting

Entertainer

Will Rogers

Oologah, Indian Territory (now Oklahoma)

Cherokee-American humorist, actor, and social commentator who was one of the most famous celebrities in the 1920s and 30s.

Humor and social commentary

Athlete

Barry Sanders

Wichita, Kansas (raised in Oklahoma)

NFL Hall of Fame running back who played for the Detroit Lions and is considered one of the greatest in football history.

Professional football

Artist

Maria Tallchief

Fairfax, Oklahoma

The first American prima ballerina and the first Native American to hold the rank.

Classical ballet

Author

Ralph Ellison

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Novelist and literary critic best known for his masterpiece 'Invisible Man', which won the National Book Award.

Literature

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