What Are People From Oregon Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from Oregon is:

Oregonian

Pronunciation:

/ˌɒrɪˈɡoʊniən/

Ends in -ian — see how this suffix works

Ethnicity in Oregon (2020) — Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC0

About Oregon

Salem is the capital of Oregon and sits on the Willamette River in the northwestern part of the state. Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859, as the 33rd state. The city has served as the seat of state government since 1851, and it is a center of public administration for the region. Oregon's landscape is famously diverse, with a rugged coastline, dense forests, and volcanoes such as Mount Hood visible from the Willamette Valley. The state's economy includes technology, timber, and agriculture, and the surrounding valley produces wine and fruit. Salem is also home to Willamette University, one of the oldest colleges in the West, which adds to the city's academic character. Its historic downtown, the Oregon State Capitol, and nearby parks give residents and visitors a place to experience the state's natural and civic heritage.

Quick Facts about Oregon

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

Recommended Geography Resources

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National Geographic Atlas of the World

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Oxford Atlas of the World

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Atlas Obscura

Unique destinations and hidden places

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Etymology of the Oregon Demonym

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

Demonym rules: How demonyms are formed · When to capitalize demonyms

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

Places near Oregon

Other places in the region and their demonyms

north of Oregon

People are called:

Washingtonian

south of Oregon

People are called:

Californian

east of Oregon

People are called:

Idahoan

Top Things to Do in Oregon

Quick Facts

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

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Recommended Geography Resources

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

National Geographic Atlas of the World

Highly detailed, stunning visuals

▶See more options

Oxford Atlas of the World

Comprehensive, authoritative

Atlas Obscura

Unique destinations and hidden places

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More demonyms from North America

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