California

Source: Spanish

Root Word: Calida Fornax

Derived From: The island of California in the 16th-century novel Las sergas de Esplandián

Meaning: Calida means ‘heat’ or ‘burning’, and Fornax means ‘furnace’ or ‘melting furnace’, symbolizing a passionate and rich place.

Popularity History: California as a place name became famous due to the gold rush in the 19th century, attracting people from all over the world. It is one of the important state names in the United States.