name
Common
Virginia
vuh-JIHN-ee-uh
Virginia (name) means a U.S. state on the Atlantic coast, whose capital is Richmond. Example: “They drove through Virginia on their way down to the Carolinas.”
name
1
A U.S. state on the Atlantic coast, whose capital is Richmond.
"Resendiz was last seen on May 29 in her barracks in Miller Hall at Naval Station Norfolk, according to a missing person’s alert issued by Virginia State Police on June 3."
— Rosa Flores, Missing Navy sailor found dead in Virginia, another sailor in custody (2025)
"And on March 21, Virginia passed a law banning colorants from school food, effective July 1, 2027."
— Kristen Rogers, Over half of US states are trying to eliminate food dyes. Here’s what you can do now (2025)
"They drove through Virginia on their way down to the Carolinas."
2
A female given name derived from Latin.
"Her grandmother was named Virginia after an aunt."
"The city of Waukesha confirmed the names of five victims as Virginia Sorenson, 79; Leanna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81."
— Christina Zdanowicz, Claudia Dominguez (2022)
How to use Virginia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often the U.S. state; also used as a woman's first name.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Virginia.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- Virginias
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They drove through _____ on their way down to the Carolinas.
Etymology
Named after Elizabeth I of England, the "Virgin Queen," when the original colony was founded.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for Virginia
See all rhymes for Virginia →Frequently asked questions
What does “Virginia” mean?
The word “Virginia” means a U.S. state on the Atlantic coast, whose capital is Richmond. In plain terms, most often the U.S. state; also used as a woman's first name.
How do you pronounce “Virginia”?
“Virginia” is pronounced vuh-JIHN-ee-uh (/vəɹˈd͡ʒɪn.jə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Virginia” in a sentence?
Here is “Virginia” used in a sentence: “They drove through Virginia on their way down to the Carolinas.”
What part of speech is “Virginia”?
“Virginia” is a name.
Is “Virginia” a common word?
“Virginia” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Virginia” have?
“Virginia” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a U.S. state on the Atlantic coast, whose capital is Richmond.
What is the capital of Virginia?
The capital of Virginia is Richmond, located in the east-central part of the state on the James River. Richmond has served as the state capital since 1780 and is one of the older major cities in the United States, holding a significant place in American colonial and Civil War history.
Why is Virginia called Virginia?
Virginia was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth I of England, who was known as the 'Virgin Queen' because she never married. The name was first applied to England's early claims in North America, and Virginia went on to host Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement, founded in 1607.
What is Virginia known for?
Virginia is known for its central role in American history. It was home to Jamestown, is the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, and saw many key events of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today it is also known for the Blue Ridge Mountains, Colonial Williamsburg, and its technology and government sectors.
Is Virginia also a first name?
Yes. Virginia is a female given name derived from the Latin 'virgo,' meaning maiden, and it shares its origin with the state's name. It was once very popular in English-speaking countries and is still used today, borne by notable figures such as the writer Virginia Woolf.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Virginia:
