Behind the name

Hailey Heseltine reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com What's in a name? Names are words we choose to call a specific person, place or thing by, and names are usually not chosen without reason. Most things have a name, and most of those names have meanings, and those meanings are embedded in history. Examining the origin of some names of places we encounter in our every day lives may be an informative and entertaining endeavor—or, if nothing else, you can at least have a fun fact or two to share with your friends. The name "Florida" comes from the Spanish "La Florida," meaning "flowery." The state was likely named this for more than just its abundant wildflowers, however. Ponce de Leon sup