Spark Files Blog
Rhode Island: How It Was Named After The Greek Islands
Rhode Island sounds familiar to anyone who's visited Greece and for good reason - it was named after the Rhodes islands.
The History Of The Hammock: What You Didn't Know
What is the origin of the weird word 'hammock'? How did the modern hammock we know and love today evolve over the centuries? What, if anything, is different about today's hammocks as opposed to early hammock designs?
How Koi Fish Got Their Name
Koi are essentially ornamental versions of carp that, through time and color mutations, began displaying colors beyond that of the drab brown of carp.
Alabama's Origins + How It Got Its Name
The state of Alabama was named after a local Choctaw word meaning 'gathering weeds'.
Alaska Origins: Where The State Name Came From
The name 'Alaska' actually comes from a native Aleut word meaning 'the object towards which the action of the sea is directed.
The State Of Arizona: Origin Of The Name
Do you know where the name Arizona originated? It's an Uto-Aztecan word meaning 'small spring'.
Arkansas Origin: Where The State Got Its Name
Similar to Kansas, Arkansas got its name from a Quapaw tribe word meaning 'land of downriver people'.
The Origin Of California: Where It Got Its Name
The name 'California' actually came from a fictional novel by Spanish novelist Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo.