What Are People From West Virginia Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from West Virginia is:

West Virginian

Pronunciation:

/ˌwɛst vərˈdʒɪniən/

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

About West Virginia

Charleston is the capital of West Virginia and sits on the Kanawha River in the western part of the state. West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, as the 35th state, after separating from Virginia during the Civil War. The city became the capital in 1870 and has remained the seat of state government. The state's mountainous terrain is central to its coal and energy history, a legacy that still shapes the regional economy. Charleston's industries include chemicals, health care, and government, while the surrounding hills and rivers draw growing numbers of visitors who come for outdoor recreation and tourism. The city's state capitol, historic riverfront, and cultural institutions reflect a community that honors its industrial past while building a more diverse future.

Quick Facts about West Virginia
Population:
1,760,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

Recommended Geography Resources

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Etymology of the West Virginia Demonym

Formed during the Civil War from northwestern Virginia counties; name references its origin from Virginia.

Notable People Associated with West Virginia

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

Aviators & Astronauts

Chuck Yeager

Myra, West Virginia

U.S. Air Force officer and test pilot who became the first person to break the sound barrier.

Breaking the sound barrier

Science & Technology

Katherine Johnson

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights.

Orbital mechanics and Hidden Figures

Literature & Arts

Pearl S. Buck

Hillsboro, West Virginia

Nobel Prize-winning author known for 'The Good Earth', depicting peasant life in China.

Nobel Prize in Literature

Sports Legends

Jerry West

Chelyan, West Virginia

NBA legend and the inspiration for the NBA logo, known as 'Mr. Clutch'.

NBA excellence and the NBA logo
Mary Lou Retton

Fairmont, West Virginia

Gymnast who became the first American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal at the Olympics.

1984 Olympic Gold Medalist

Music & Entertainment

Brad Paisley

Glen Dale, West Virginia

Country music singer-songwriter and guitarist with numerous hits and awards.

Country music stardom
Steve Harvey

Welch, West Virginia

Comedian, television host, and author known for 'Family Feud' and his stand-up comedy.

Television hosting and comedy
Bill Withers

Slab Fork, West Virginia

Soul singer-songwriter known for timeless hits like 'Lean on Me' and 'Ain't No Sunshine'.

Soul and R&B music

Top Things to Do in West Virginia

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