What Are People From Pennsylvania Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from Pennsylvania is:

Pennsylvanian

Pronunciation:

/ˌpɛnsəlˈveɪniən/

Ends in -ian — see how this suffix works

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

About Pennsylvania

Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and sits on the Susquehanna River in the south-central part of the state. Pennsylvania was admitted to the Union on December 12, 1787, as the 2nd state. The city became the capital in 1812, and it has remained the seat of state government ever since. Pennsylvania played a central role in the nation's founding, and historic sites in nearby Philadelphia, including Independence Hall, are central to the story of the United States. Harrisburg's economy includes energy, manufacturing, and health care, and its government institutions anchor the regional workforce. The city's riverfront, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and its historic neighborhoods show how the capital has grown while keeping its ties to the state's rich colonial and industrial past.

Quick Facts about Pennsylvania
Population:
12,990,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

Recommended Geography Resources

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

National Geographic Atlas of the World

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Etymology of the Pennsylvania Demonym

Named after Admiral William Penn (father of founder William Penn) plus Latin 'Sylvania' (forest land).

Notable People Associated with Pennsylvania

The area's rich history is reflected in the remarkable people connected to it.

Politics

Benjamin Franklin

Boston, Massachusetts (lived in Philadelphia)

One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a polymath who was a leading writer, scientist, inventor, and diplomat.

Founding Father and inventions
Joe Biden

Scranton, Pennsylvania

The 46th President of the United States, who previously served as Vice President and a U.S. Senator.

46th U.S. President

Actor

Will Smith

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Actor, rapper, and producer who rose to fame in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and became a major film star.

Film and music

Musician

Taylor Swift

Reading, Pennsylvania

Global pop superstar and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for her narrative songwriting.

Pop and country music

Entertainer

Fred Rogers

Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Creator and host of the preschool television series 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood', known for his gentle persona.

Children's television

Athlete

Arnold Palmer

Latrobe, Pennsylvania

One of the greatest and most charismatic players in the history of professional golf.

Professional golf

Scientist

Rachel Carson

Springdale, Pennsylvania

Marine biologist and conservationist whose book 'Silent Spring' is credited with advancing the global environmental movement.

Environmental science

Artist

Andy Warhol

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art, famous for his works like the Campbell's Soup Cans.

Pop art

Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Actions

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