What Are People From Virginia Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from Virginia is:

Virginian

Pronunciation:

/vərˈdʒɪniən/

Ends in -ian — see how this suffix works

Virginia in United States — Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

About Virginia

Richmond is the capital of Virginia and sits on the James River at the fall line, in the central part of the state. Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788, as the 10th state, and it was one of the original colonies. The city became the capital in 1780, and its historic neighborhoods, government buildings, and museums reflect the state's central role in American history. Colonial sites at Jamestown and Williamsburg, both within easy reach of Richmond, tell the story of the nation's earliest settlements. The city's economy includes government, defense, and technology, supported by the state capital's large public workforce. Visitors enjoy the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which together reveal the depth of the state's architectural and cultural heritage.

Quick Facts about Virginia

Population:: 8,730,000 (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

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Etymology of the Virginia Demonym

Named for Queen Elizabeth I of England, the 'Virgin Queen'.

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

Notable People Associated with Virginia

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

Politics & Leadership

Thomas Jefferson

Shadwell, Virginia

3rd U.S. President, author of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the University of Virginia.

Declaration of Independence

George Washington

Westmoreland County, Virginia

1st U.S. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

Father of His Country

James Madison

Port Conway, Virginia

4th U.S. President and 'Father of the Constitution' for his pivotal role in drafting the document.

U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights

Literature & Arts

Edgar Allan Poe

Boston, MA (Raised in Richmond, VA)

Iconic author and poet known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, including 'The Raven'.

Gothic literature and detective fiction

Civil Rights & Social Change

Booker T. Washington

Hale's Ford, Virginia

Educator, author, and advisor to several U.S. presidents, born into slavery in Virginia.

Founding Tuskegee Institute

Music & Entertainment

Sandra Bullock

Arlington, Virginia

Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in 'Speed', 'The Blind Side', and 'Gravity'.

Film acting and production

Pharrell Williams

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer known for hits like 'Happy'.

Music production and fashion design

Sports Legends

Arthur Ashe

Richmond, Virginia

Tennis champion and the first Black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Tennis excellence and humanitarian work

Places near Virginia

Other places in the region and their demonyms

north of Virginia

People are called:

Marylander

south of Virginia

People are called:

North Carolinian

west of Virginia

People are called:

West Virginian

Top Things to Do in Virginia

Quick Facts

Population:: 8,730,000 (2024 est.)
Country:: United States
Region:: North America

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Recommended Geography Resources

Want to explore where Virginians 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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