Oregon

North America, United States
United States

People from Oregon are called:

Male/General:

Oregonian

Pronunciation:

/ˌɒrɪˈɡoʊniən/

Quick Facts

Population:
4,290,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

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Etymology & Origin

Origin uncertain; possibly from French 'ouragan' (hurricane) or a misreading of a Native term.

Notable People Associated with Oregon

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

Business

Phil Knight

Portland, Oregon

Co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc., who transformed the athletic footwear industry.

Co-founding Nike

Artist

Matt Groening

Portland, Oregon

Cartoonist and creator of the iconic animated series 'The Simpsons', 'Futurama', and 'Disenchantment'.

Creating The Simpsons

Scientist

Linus Pauling

Portland, Oregon

One of the most influential scientists in history, he is the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes (Chemistry and Peace).

Quantum chemistry and molecular biology

Author

Beverly Cleary

McMinnville, Oregon

Beloved children's author known for creating characters like Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins.

Children's literature
Ken Kesey

La Junta, Colorado (raised in Oregon)

Counterculture figure and author of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and 'Sometimes a Great Notion'.

Literature and counterculture

Athlete

Justin Herbert

Eugene, Oregon

NFL quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his record-breaking rookie season.

Professional football
Tonya Harding

Portland, Oregon

Figure skater who was the first American woman to complete a triple Axel in competition.

Figure skating

Actor

River Phoenix

Madras, Oregon

Highly acclaimed actor and musician known for his roles in 'Stand by Me' and 'My Own Private Idaho'.

Film acting

About Oregon

  • Capital city: Salem.
  • Known for diverse landscapes: coastline, forests, and volcanoes.
  • Economy includes technology, timber, and agriculture.
  • Admitted as the 33rd state in 1859.

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