The Origins of Texas’ Name and How the State is Split Into 12 Regions

Have you ever wondered how Texas got its name? Sure, it's catchy and seems to fit, but it wasn't just a made-up word that a couple of cowboys thought was suitable. It actually means something.

What Does Texas Mean?

First off, texas is taken from a Native American word meaning 'friend' or 'ally' (most likely taken from thecas or the Caddo word taysha). It was first heard by the Spanish while exploring this beautiful land in the late 17th century.

This makes sense when you remember the state motto of Texas: friendship. Not only is this a welcoming motto for tourists, but it also alludes to the original meaning of the name.

Looking at a map of native languages spoken across Texas, we can see that Lubbock, along with most of West Texas, falls under Comanche.

Just How Large is Texas?

Texas is the second largest state in the United States with a coverage of 268,000 square miles.

The only other state that covers more ground than Texas is Alaska, nearly tripling its size at 665,300 square miles.

In order to better handle Texas' sheer size, the state is split into 12 different regions that allow for better management and layout. For example, cities like Lubbock and Amarillo fall within the High Plains, while Dallas and Fort Worth are in the Metroplex region.

Keep scrolling to see the full list of all 12 regions in Texas as well as the estimated populations, how many counties there are, and what major cities are found within each one.