Who Named the United States of America? Unpacking the Origin of the Name and the Colonies Before Independence

The name United States of America did not emerge spontaneously. It was the culmination of years of debate, letters, declarations and resolutions during a time when thirteen distinct British colonies were charting a path toward independence. Historians have long discussed who first used the phrase and why it was chosen, but there is broad consensus that the idea of a united identity and the term America both pre‑dated formal independence. This article explores the origins of the name, traces the colonial naming stories, and delves into the individuals who contributed to its adoption.

Early in 1776, correspondence among Continental Army officers and delegates began referring to a United States in a manner that implied a sovereign entity rather than a collection of colonies. Months later the Continental Congress would unanimously adopt the name United States of America in its resolution of September 9 1776. Before that change the thirteen political entities we know today as states were commonly called the Thirteen Colonies or United Colonies. Through an examination of letters, diaries and public documents we can piece together a timeline that reveals when and why the new name took hold.

Earliest Uses of “United States of America”

The story begins on a cold winter day in January 1776. Stephen Moylan, an Irish‑born aide to General George Washington, wrote from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Joseph Reed, the general’s secretary. In his letter he described a plan to seek naval support and to go “with full and ample powers from the United States of America.”. This was one of the first recorded uses of the phrase in any written document. Moylan, a merchant and patriot, had previously served as muster‑master general of the Continental Army and would later become quartermaster general. His letter shows that the concept of the colonies as a collective nation was already circulating within military circles. While there is no evidence that he coined the term, his phrasing indicates he considered “United States of America” a legitimate diplomatic label.

The winter of 1776 was a time of uncertainty. Continental forces were engaged in the siege of Boston, the Olive Branch Petition had been rejected by King George III, and independence was not yet officially declared. In February, debate continued in Philadelphia over whether the colonies should declare themselves independent. Meanwhile, the idea of a unified nation was gaining traction. In April 1776 the Virginia Gazette published a satirical essay by “Republicus” arguing that the nation should be called the “United States of America” to send a clear message to the world. By June, this sentiment had spread through newspapers such as the Pennsylvania Evening Post, which printed the phrase in connection with the call for independence.

When Letters Became History

While Moylan’s letter is an early documented use, he was not the only one to employ the term. Elbridge Gerry, a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress and future vice president, wrote to General Horatio Gates in a letter that likely predates July 1776. In the same sentence he referred to both the “United Colonies” and the “United States of America”. Gerry’s ability to switch between the two names shows how fluid the terminology was; the concept of a united entity existed but the precise title was not yet fixed. In the months that followed, the phrase would appear in more letters and newspapers, reinforcing its legitimacy.

Meanwhile, the broader public was beginning to see this new national identity appear in print. The Pennsylvania Evening Post published an article by “Republicus” in June 1776 advocating for the adoption of the name. The author argued that “United States of America” conveyed a sense of permanence and legitimacy that “United Colonies” lacked. This early call for a cohesive national title illustrates how the press shaped public perception and prepared colonists for the idea of a unified political entity.

By July 1776 the phrase had gained enough prominence that it appeared in the first draft of the Articles of Confederation. Drafted by the Continental Congress after the Declaration of Independence, the Articles began with the words, “The name of this Confederation shall be the United States of America”. Although the final Articles would not be ratified until 1781, the draft shows that delegates were already committed to the new name. The drafting process itself reflected the challenge of balancing state sovereignty with national unity—an issue that would define American politics for decades.

Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

The name United States of America is closely associated with Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s original draft, submitted to the committee in late June 1776, began with the heading “A Declaration by the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. In the finished document adopted on July 4 1776, the phrase appears in the closing line, which pronounces the independence of “the thirteen united States of America.” The capitalization of united and the separate listing of States emphasize that independent states were combining to form a single political entity.

Jefferson’s Draft and Its Influence

Why did Jefferson choose this phrasing? As a scholar of the Enlightenment and a member of the Virginia delegation, he understood the power of language. The phrase United States echoed earlier uses by Moylan, Gerry and newspaper writers, but his decision to include it in the Declaration gave it international prominence. He likely viewed the words as a natural evolution from United Colonies, reflecting the legal step of declaring independence. The phrase also emphasized the equality of the states, aligning with his philosophical commitment to self‑government.

Jefferson was not the only delegate involved in the naming process. John Dickinson, who authored the final text of the Articles of Confederation, had used the phrase in draft documents prior to July 1776. Richard Henry Lee, another Virginia delegate, introduced the resolution for independence in June, referring to the “United Colonies” rather than a single nation. Even within the small circle of revolutionary leaders there was variation in terminology. Jefferson’s ability to give the phrase prominence in a document sent to the world made him a central figure in its adoption, even if he did not invent it.

The Declaration’s Aftermath

The impact of the Declaration cannot be overstated. It was printed and distributed across the colonies and across the Atlantic, and its wording became the de facto statement of national identity. Yet even after July 4 the term “United Colonies” persisted in official documents. For instance, on July 8 the Continental Congress asked each colony to raise troops for the defense of the “United Colonies.” The Articles of Confederation draft clearly used “United States of America,” but adoption was still months away. This period of overlapping terminology reflected the transition from colonial identities to statehood and national unity.

The Continental Congress Renaming Resolution

On September 9 1776, the Second Continental Congress took a decisive step. It passed a resolution stating that “in all Continental commissions and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words ‘United Colonies’ have been used, the style be altered for the future to ‘United States’”. This brief but monumental act formalized the new name and ensured its consistent use in official records.

Why Change from “Colonies” to “States”?

The change was more than semantic. Colonies were subordinate political units within a colonial empire, while States implied sovereign authority. By replacing “United Colonies” with “United States,” Congress asserted that each former colony now existed as an independent state bound together by a confederation. The resolution also addressed practical concerns: foreign governments and investors wanted clarity about whom they were dealing with. A united nation could sign treaties, seek alliances and borrow money. The new name conveyed permanence and legitimacy in the eyes of potential allies such as France and Spain.

Implementation and Public Reaction

After the resolution, the term quickly entered public consciousness. Commissions, military orders and diplomatic correspondence were updated to reflect the new style. Newspapers began using “United States” in headlines and articles. The change also influenced everyday language; letters from soldiers and civilians gradually shifted from describing themselves as colonists to identifying as Americans. Among the populace there was a sense of pride in belonging to a new nation, even as many retained strong loyalty to their states.

The resolution did not settle all questions. Debates continued over the balance between state sovereignty and national authority. The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1777 and ratified in 1781, provided a loose confederation with limited powers for the central government. It would take the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to create a stronger federal structure, but by then the name United States of America was firmly established in domestic and foreign usage.

The Thirteen Colonies: Names and Identities Before Independence

Before they became states, the British possessions along the Atlantic coast were known collectively as the Thirteen Colonies. Each had its own charter, founding story and identity. Collectively they were often called the United Colonies during the early years of the revolution. Understanding their individual histories helps explain why the term United States resonated so strongly.

Colonial Founding Stories

The colonies were established between 1607 and 1733. They varied widely in geography, economy and culture. Virginia, founded as the Jamestown settlement in 1607, was named for Queen Elizabeth I, the “Virgin Queen.” Massachusetts Bay, colonized by Puritans in 1620 and 1630, derived its name from the indigenous Massachusett tribe. Maryland was chartered in 1632 as a haven for English Catholics and named in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. Connecticut took its name from the Algonquian word Quinnehtukqut, meaning “long river.” Rhode Island, formally “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” was founded by religious dissenters including Roger Williams; its name might derive from the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano’s comparison of the island to the Greek island of Rhodes or from the Dutch phrase Roodt Eylandt (red island).

To the south, North Carolina and South Carolina originated from the Province of Carolina, chartered to supporters of Charles II and named after him (the Latin Carolus). Their division in 1712 created two distinct colonies. Georgia, founded in 1733, was named for King George II and served as a debtor colony and buffer against Spanish Florida. Delaware was carved from Pennsylvania’s Lower Counties and took its name from the Delaware River, itself named after Sir Thomas West, Baron De La Warr. New York, originally the Dutch colony of New Netherland, was renamed in 1664 to honor the Duke of York (later King James II). New Jersey was also taken from the Dutch and named for the English Channel island of Jersey. Pennsylvania combined the name of William Penn with sylvania, Latin for “woods,” to honor Penn’s father and describe the region.

Table: Founding Years and Naming Origins of the Thirteen Colonies

Collective Identity as “United Colonies”

During the early revolutionary period, the colonies were often referred to collectively as the United Colonies. The term appeared in Congress resolutions, military commissions and public discourse. It acknowledged the unity of the colonies while emphasizing their continued status within the British Empire. When independence was declared, the word colonies was no longer appropriate; the colonies had become states. The shift from “United Colonies” to “United States of America” signaled that change and underscored their sovereignty.

Who Deserves Credit for Naming the Nation?

Historians have long debated who actually coined the phrase United States of America. Several figures have legitimate claims or associations with its early use. In truth, the phrase evolved organically; it likely emerged from the collective consciousness of delegates, writers and soldiers who were grappling with the idea of a unified nation.

Stephen Moylan’s Claim

As noted earlier, Stephen Moylan’s January 2 1776 letter contains one of the earliest known uses of the phrase. In the letter he expressed his desire to go to Spain as a representative of the “United States of America.” Moylan was part of George Washington’s inner circle and may have picked up the phrase from conversations within the army. Some historians argue that because this use predates Jefferson’s draft, Moylan deserves recognition as the first to write down the phrase.

Thomas Jefferson’s Popularization

While Moylan’s letter is older, Thomas Jefferson gave the phrase its international visibility by placing it prominently in the Declaration of Independence. His decision to describe the colonies as united states rather than united colonies helped standardize the term. Jefferson’s influence on the document and his later role in government led many to assume he coined the name, though he never claimed that honor. He may have encountered the phrase through other delegates or writings and adopted it because it aligned with his vision of a unified, sovereign nation.

John Dickinson and Elbridge Gerry

John Dickinson, known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” served on the drafting committee for the Articles of Confederation. He had used the phrase in earlier papers and may have introduced it into the Articles. Elbridge Gerry wrote to General Horatio Gates using both “United Colonies” and “United States of America” in a single sentence. Their correspondence indicates that the term circulated among congressional delegates before the Declaration was finalized. Because the committee process involved multiple authors, credit likely belongs to several individuals rather than a single person.

The “Republicus” Essay and Public Discourse

The April 1776 essay by Republicus in the Virginia Gazette and the June piece in the Pennsylvania Evening Post demonstrate that the phrase United States of America had entered public discourse. These published arguments urged the adoption of a name that would command respect abroad and unify the colonies at home. By urging readers to think of themselves as Americans, the essays shaped the environment in which delegates considered the new nation’s identity. While the authors remain anonymous, their rhetorical influence cannot be discounted.

George Washington’s Headquarters

Some speculation surrounds George Washington himself. The New‑York Historical Society notes that Richard Neuman, the editor of a 2015 article, observed that the phrase may have circulated in Washington’s headquarters. Washington held regular councils of war with his aides and corresponded with governors and generals. If his staff used the term as a practical description of their cause, it could have spread through letters and orders. However, there is no direct evidence that Washington coined the phrase.

Conclusion on Credit

Given the evidence, it is unlikely that any single person truly named the nation. The phrase United States of America emerged from a confluence of letters, essays and debates. Stephen Moylan’s letter provides an early written example; Thomas Jefferson popularized it in a world‑famous document; John Dickinson and Elbridge Gerry helped integrate it into the Articles of Confederation; and public writers like Republicus promoted it in the press. The adoption of the name by Congress in September 1776 formalized what had already taken shape in the revolutionary imagination.

Symbolism and Legacy of the Name

The decision to call the new nation the United States of America had profound symbolic and practical effects. It signaled the transformation of thirteen disparate colonies into a single political entity while acknowledging their distinctiveness as individual states. The use of America placed the new nation within a larger geographic context—Europeans had referred to the continents of the Western Hemisphere as America for more than two centuries. The phrase emphasized that the new nation was part of the wider world yet distinct from the colonial order.

America vs. United States

In everyday speech, the nation is often called America. This shorthand has caused confusion in some languages, where America refers to the continents and not the country. During the revolutionary era, however, the full name “United States of America” conveyed both unity and locality. It differentiated the new nation from other colonial territories in the Americas and emphasized the partnership among states. Over time, the term American became a demonym for citizens of the United States, though people from other parts of the Americas may use that label for themselves as well.

National Identity and International Recognition

Adopting a distinct name was crucial for international recognition. Diplomatic missions to France and Spain needed to present credentials from a sovereign nation. The new name allowed American emissaries to sign treaties, negotiate loans and request aid. For instance, the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778) and the Treaty of Paris (1783) both used the term United States of America, affirming the legitimacy of the new nation.

Domestically, the name helped forge a national identity. While citizens remained fiercely loyal to their states, they gradually adopted a shared sense of being Americans. This dual identity—state and national—would shape debates over federalism, representation and rights. The Constitution’s preamble begins with “We the People of the United States,” reflecting the continuing importance of the name in defining the political community.

Legacy in Modern Times

Today the name United States of America seems self‑evident, but it continues to carry symbolic weight. It reminds citizens of the union’s origins in a revolutionary struggle and the balance between unity and diversity. The phrase appears on currency, official documents and passports, and its acronym USA has become a global shorthand for the country. In debates over federalism, secession and national identity, the words “United States” continue to remind Americans that their unity is a product of history as much as choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who first used the term “United States of America”?
   Stephen Moylan’s January 2 1776 letter to Joseph Reed is one of the earliest known uses of the phrase. Others soon adopted it in letters and newspapers.

2. Did Thomas Jefferson invent the name?
   Thomas Jefferson popularized the phrase by placing it in the Declaration of Independence, but the term was already circulating in letters and essays.

3. When did Congress officially adopt the name?
   The Second Continental Congress resolved on September 9 1776 that all official documents should use “United States” instead of “United Colonies”.

4. What were the colonies called before independence?
   They were commonly called the Thirteen Colonies or United Colonies, reflecting their status as British possessions.

5. Why did the colonies need a new name?
   A new name signaled sovereignty and unity; “colonies” implied subordination to Britain, while “states” conveyed independence and equal partnership.

6. Which documents first used “United States of America”?
   The term appeared in Moylan’s letter, Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration, the Republicus essays, and the draft Articles of Confederation.

7. How did the name affect foreign relations?
   The clear national title allowed American diplomats to negotiate treaties with France and Spain and to secure loans, giving the revolution international legitimacy.

Closing Thoughts

The journey from Thirteen Colonies to the United States of America was not simply a matter of words; it was a transformation in identity and governance. Letters, essays and resolutions reveal that the phrase “United States of America” emerged organically during the revolutionary year of 1776. While no single person can claim credit for naming the nation, figures such as Stephen Moylan, Thomas Jefferson, John Dickinson and Elbridge Gerry each played a role in adopting and popularizing the phrase.

Today, as visitors explore Washington, D.C. and reflect on the nation’s origins, they can immerse themselves in this history at museums and memorials. For those seeking accommodation, Hotel Washington—the closest hotel to the White House, positioned at the edge of the White House Lawn—offers a convenient starting point to experience the capital’s historic sites. To learn more or plan your stay, visit the Hotel Washington official website

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