The colorful history and culture of Wisconsin are reflected in its place names, from those created by Native Americans, French explorers, and diverse European settlers to more recent appellations commemorating political figures, postmasters, and landowners. Organized alphabetically for easy reference, Edward Callary’s concise entries reveal the stories behind such intriguing names as Fussville, Misha Mokwa, Couderay, and Thiry Daems. Fun to read and packed with information, Place Names of Wisconsin is a must-have for anyone interested in Wisconsin and Midwest history, language, geography, and culture—or anyone who simply wonders “why did they name it that?”

Edward Callary is a professor emeritus of linguistics at Northern Illinois University and the past president of both the American Name Society and the North Central Name Society. He is the author of Place Names of Illinois and the editor of Place Names in the Midwestern United States and Surnames, Nicknames, Placenames, and Epithets in America.