The name “Chicago” comes from the French interpretation of the Miami–Illinois word Šikaakonki, derived from šikaakwa, which refers to a wild relative of onion and garlic known as ramps (Allium tricoccum). Early French explorers documented the area’s abundant wild garlic, with Robert de LaSalle mentioning “Checagou” in 1679 and Henri Joutel noting its growth in 1688. These references highlight the region’s natural flora as the origin of the city’s name.

Throughout its history, Chicago has earned a variety of nicknames reflecting its character and identity. Most famously called the “Windy City,” the name captures both its breezy lakeside location and its spirited public life. Other monikers include “Chi-Town,” “Second City,” and the “City of the Big Shoulders,” a nod to its hardworking residents and industrial prominence. These names collectively tell the story of a city that is as resilient and dynamic as it is historic.