States By Population

STATE:
A region of the United States that has its own government for some matters. Each state is a territorial division of America and elects members to congress to represent their state, forming a branch of the federal government. There are 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Have you ever wondered how many people live in your state?
Check the list of states ranked numerically in the table below .

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We’ve provided two printable lists of the 50 States.

1. Alphabetically – by the name of the State
2. Numerically – ranked by the population count

List of 50 States
(Print List)

List of 50 States ranked by population estimates
(Print List)

Visit our main site about the 50 States at ‘List of 50 States‘

The Development of the 50 States

The United States is composed of 50 states, each with its own unique journey from territorial outpost to full statehood. This evolution—beginning with the revolutionary era and culminating in the middle of the 20th century—mirrors the nation’s growth from a handful of colonies into a vibrant, multicultural federation.

Early Genesis – The Original 13 Colonies

• (Dec 7, 1787) Delaware
• (Dec 12, 1787) Pennsylvania
• (Dec 18, 1787) New Jersey
• (Jan 2, 1788) Georgia
• (Jan 9, 1788) Connecticut
• (Feb 6, 1788) Massachusetts
• (Apr 28, 1788) Maryland
• (May 23, 1788) South Carolina
• (June 21, 1788) New Hampshire
• (June 25, 1788) Virginia
• (July 26, 1788) New York
• (Nov. 21, 1789) North Carolina
• (May 29, 1790) Rhode Island

These original 13 colonies set the foundation for America, they were born out of a quest for independence and self-governance. Their names reflect a blend of homage and heritage, for example, Delaware takes its name from Lord de la Warr, Pennsylvania means “Penn’s Woods” in honor of William Penn’s Quaker ideals, and Georgia celebrates King George II.

In each case, the chosen name evoked personal, geographical, or monarchical connections that resonated with the early settlers’ identities and aspirations.

Expansion and Transformation – The 19th Century

As the nation expanded westward, new states emerged from acquired territories through purchases, forced treaties, and the reorganization of older colonies. States such as Kentucky and Tennessee were carved from Virginia’s western regions, while Ohio and Louisiana rose from the Northwest Territory and the famous Louisiana Purchase.

The origins of these names often reflect local geography and the heritage of the land’s original inhabitants. For instance, “Mississippi” is derived from a Native American term meaning “great river,” while “Indiana” emphasizes the legacy of its indigenous peoples with the meaning “Land of the Indians.” Similarly, “Illinois” commemorates the local Native American tribes renowned as traders and settlers in the region.

In every instance, as communities grew and governance was formalized, the choice of name became both a marker of place and an expression of evolving identity.

The Western Frontier and Modern Era

The later chapters of statehood, stretching from the mid-1800s to 1959, witnessed the admission of states carved out of expansive western territories. California, admitted in 1850 after the gold rush, was named after a mythical paradise described in popular Spanish romances; Nevada, meaning “snow‐covered” in Spanish, highlights its rugged, mountainous terrain.

From the vast prairies came Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, their names reflective of indigenous languages and local descriptive terms. Up north, Washington proudly bears the name of the nation’s first president, while Oregon’s name hints at either its Native American roots or early European interpretations.

The final chapters in this historical saga are written by Alaska and Hawaii, admitted in 1959, with names that honor indigenous languages: “Alaska” is derived from the Aleut word for “the mainland,” and “Hawaii” comes from native Polynesian traditions celebrating the land’s natural beauty and sacred heritage.

In Summary

Together, the 50 states form a mosaic built on pivotal moments of creation and rich layers of cultural influence. From the revolutionary fervor of the original 13 to the indigenous, geographical, and commemorative inspirations that underscore the names of western and modern states, America’s statehood is a living record of change, compromise, and celebration of its diverse roots.

Thinking about this historical journey reminds us that every name, every date, and every tradition marks a chapter in the enduring story of the United States.