Seattle, the bustling metropolis now famously known as the "Emerald City," was initially given a much different and highly ambitious name by its earliest pioneers. The first name bestowed upon the settlement was New York – Alki.
The Original Vision: New York – Alki
When the first settlers arrived and established their community, they envisioned a grand future for their new home, one that would rival the great cities of the East Coast. This aspiration was reflected in their choice of name:
- New York: This part of the name clearly indicated the settlers' hopes for the burgeoning settlement to grow into a major urban center, a bustling hub of commerce and activity, much like New York City.
- Alki: Derived from the Chinook Jargon, a pidgin trade language once common in the Pacific Northwest, "Alki" translates to "by and by" or "eventually." Combined with "New York," the full name, "New York – Alki," conveyed a hopeful and determined sentiment: "New York, eventually."
This initial naming choice offers a fascinating glimpse into the grand ambitions of Seattle's founders, dreaming of a future metropolis that would echo the scale and importance of established American cities.
From Aspiration to Indigenous Identity
While "New York – Alki" perfectly captured the pioneers' big dreams, the name proved to be temporary. The settlement eventually adopted the name "Seattle," honoring Chief Si'ahl (also spelled Sealth), a respected leader of the local Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. This transition not only grounded the city's identity in its local indigenous heritage but also marked a significant departure from its initial, externally aspirational moniker.
Imagine if the city had retained "New York – Alki." It leads to intriguing questions about how its character and public perception might have evolved over time. Would it now be nicknamed "The Little Apple" rather than the "Emerald City"? The evolution of its name from a hopeful, imported ideal to one rooted in the local landscape and its people profoundly shaped Seattle's unique identity.
Key Naming Information
To summarize the evolution of Seattle's early naming:
| Original Name | Current Name | Significance of Original Name |
|---|---|---|
| New York – Alki | Seattle | Reflected the pioneers' grand aspirations of becoming a major city ("New York") and included a Chinook Jargon term ("Alki") meaning "by and by" or "eventually." |
