Do You Know the Meaning Behind These 5 Minnesota Town Names?

Minnesota has a rich heritage, made up of many different peoples. Which might explain some of the unique names that appear throughout the state-- as evidenced by these five towns.

While Minnesota's been a state since 1858, our history dates back much further than that. And town names in Minnesota have taken their cues from many different heritages, from Native American, to German, Scandinavian and French. According to OnlyInYourState.com, check out the meanings behind these classic Minnesota towns.

1) Duluth -- The site says the city on Minnesota's North Shore is named for the first known European to visit the area, Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut. You can see where the present name came from-- even if it's a much more 'Englishized' version of his name.

2) Ely -- According to the site, this town in northern Minnesota (pronounced, of course, as "EEE-lee", not "eee-LIE") is named for Samuel B. Ely, an early promoter of the iron ore produced in the area.

3) Sleepy Eye -- One of the more interesting names in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the site says this town, located in Brown County, pays tribute to the Ishtakaba Native American chief also known as Chief Sleepy Eye.

4) Thief River Falls -- The site says this town, located in northwest Minnesota, not too far from Fargo, ND, also has its roots in Native American lore. It's an English version of the "Ojibwe word, this one meaning 'stolen land river.'" It continues, saying "Here's the story: a group of Dakota Indians were found on a stretch of river by the Ojibwe - thus stealing it - until they were forced to leave."

5) Lake Elmo -- According to the site, this town name takes its name from the nearby lake. But both of them take their names from an1866 novel by August Jane Evans, titled St. Elmo. The site wonders why, though, seeing as they can't find a connection between her and our state.