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.
Oklahoma Citian
/ˌoʊkləˈhoʊmə ˈsɪtiən/

Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of Oklahoma, located in the central part of the state on the Great Plains. The city's name reflects the state, whose name comes from Choctaw words meaning 'red people'. Oklahoma City became the capital in 1910, when Oklahoma joined the Union as a state, and it has grown into a major hub for oil, natural gas, and agriculture. The city is closely tied to the American West, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum celebrates its ranching and frontier heritage. Oklahoma City is also known for its revitalized downtown, the Bricktown entertainment district, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial, which honors victims of the 1995 bombing. Its Bricktown Canal, lined with restaurants and shops, offers a popular waterfront stroll. The city's Paseo Arts District also adds a creative, eclectic flavor.
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Named after the state of Oklahoma, which comes from Choctaw words meaning 'red people'.
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Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
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Want to explore where Oklahoma Citians live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region