Algoma (placename)

Word origin

• The word Algoma was invented as a placename by Henry Schoolcraft. Goma comes from the Algonquian suffix -gamaa for "lake", while Schoolcraft took the al prefix from the word Algonquian. Henry Schoolcraft's original text, supports the idea that he invented this word:
• Another definition for the word states that Algoma actually comes from A'Goma for "snow shoe". Source: Rev. E. P. Wheeler; A. Skinner in Milwaukee Public Museum Bulletin. r.6 p. 399
• Yet another definition from the Algoma, Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce claims that Algoma is an Indian word meaning "park of flowers". Several web sites that provide meanings for the names of children and pets state that Algoma means "valley of flowers".
• The history of the town of Algoma, Mississippi contains a reference to Algoma as a Chickasaw word meaning "God abides" given as the name to the Algoma community by a Presbyterian preacher named Savage.

  Variations