California

The name of the Golden State, California is instantly recognizable. It's become a first name for girls and, despite its fame, California's precise meaning and origin remain unknown for now. California is the name of an island in the romance novel Las sergas de Esplandián by the Spanish writer Garci Ordóñez de Montalvo. This island is lush, hot, and inhabited by warrior women and fierce beasts. Ruled by the powerful Queen Calafia, this may be where the name California comes from. But only theories can suggest possible meanings, such as "hot furnace" from Latin or "high hill" from a Native American word, giving famous California an air of mystery.