indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Settlement
Usage English (American)
Meaning & History
The city in Michigan and other places are named after the Kalamazoo River. There are several theories as to the etymology of Kalamazoo. One is that it comes from Potawatomi negikanamazo meaning "otter tail" or kikalamezo meaning "boiling pot, place where the water boils". Another is that it comes from Anishinaabemowin giikanaamozoog meaning "they have been smoked, they have been cured".