Can you name all the US states whose spelling contains only four letters?

Out of all 50 states in the union, only a select trio features a name spelled with just four letters. This unique distinction makes them stand out, as most state names are significantly longer, reflecting complex historical and linguistic origins. In fact, no state has a name with fewer than four letters, making this group the most concise in the country.

Each of these short names has a rich history rooted in Native American languages, connecting them directly to the land and its original inhabitants. Ohio derives its name from the Iroquois word "oyo," meaning "great river," a fitting tribute to the Ohio River that forms its southern border. Utah is named for the Ute tribe, with the name translating to "people of the mountains," which perfectly describes the state's rugged geography. Iowa's name comes from the Ioway people, a tribe that once inhabited the region.

While many states, like Massachusetts or North Carolina, have lengthy names, these three prove that a name doesn't need to be long to be meaningful. Their four-letter identifiers are direct and powerful, connecting them permanently to the geographical features and the Indigenous peoples who first defined their lands. It's a fascinating piece of geographical and historical trivia that highlights the diverse origins of American place names.