Virginia was named to honor Queen Elizabeth of England often referred to as the "Virgin Queen."

The Old Dominion

This nickname for the state of Virginia originated in Colonial days. Dominion refers to complete ownership of a particular piece of land or territory.

Because he considered the Virginians "the best of his distant children," sometime around 1663, King Charles II of England elevated Virginia to the position of dominion along with England, Scotland, Ireland, and France.

The citizens of Virginia were pleased with this elevated status because they considered themselves the most faithful of the King's settlements in America. Since their settlement was the oldest of King Charles' settlements in America, they adopted the name "The Old Dominion." A variation of this name is "The Ancient Dominion."

Mother of Presidents

Sometimes Virginia is called the "Mother of Presidents" because so many of the early presidents of the United States were native Virginians.

Mother of Statesmen

Because of the number of statesmen produced by Virginia, this nickname has been used.

Mother of States

Virginia has been called the "Mother of States" because she was the first of the states to be settled and because of the number of states that were "born" of the Virginia territory. West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and, even a part of Minnesota were all a part of the original Virginia territory.

The Cavalier State

This nickname is derived from the Cavaliers (supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War) who left England and came to Virginia during, and shortly after, the reign of King Charles I of England.

Down Where the South Begins

Radio broadcasters referred to Virginia as "Down Where the South Begins" because of its location. Virginia is the most southern of the Middle Atlantic States.