The Origin and Meaning of the Michigan NicknamesThe American citizens who live in, or who come from Michigan, are referred to as Michiganians, Michiganders or Michiganites.. The history, origin and meaning of each of the state's nicknames are as follows: The Great Lakes StateThe official nickname alludes to the magnificent geographical feature - the Great Lakes. Nearly half of Michigan is comprised of water and Lake Michigan, is the third largest of the Great Lakes. It is the largest freshwater lake entirely within the borders of the United States. The Mitten StateMichigan takes the "Mitten" nickname from the hand-like mitten glove shape of the Lower Peninsula. The Winter Water WonderlandThe "Water Wonderland," slogan is because there are more than 11,000 inland lakes in Michigan which is also bordered by the four of the Great Lakes. The slogan "Winter Water Wonderland" appeared on Michigan vehicle license plates in 1954. The slogan was modified to "Water-Winter Wonderland" in 1965. The Wolverine StateWolverines were never found in Michigan. The Wolverine nickname derives from the activities of the early fur traders who brought wolverine skins to trading posts in the region. The Automotive StateThe Automotive nickname refers to Michiigan as the world's traditional automotive center. Detroit was once the famous center of the American automobile industry and an important source of popular music celebrated by the Detroits's two familiar nicknames, the Motor City and Motown. | 
