where does the name ottawa come from

The name Ottawa comes from an Algonquin word, often given as adawe , meaning “to trade.” The city was later named after the Ottawa River, which was named for the Ottawa/Odawa people.

Quick scoop

In short:

• Ottawa is linked to the Algonquin language.

• The root meaning is generally “to trade.”

• The city name came from the river name first , then the settlement adopted it.

A little context

Before it was called Ottawa, the settlement was known as Bytown , and the name was changed to Ottawa in 1855. The broader name history reflects the region’s Indigenous heritage, especially the Ottawa/Odawa people and their connection to trade routes.

Bottom line

So, if someone asks where the name Ottawa comes from, the best simple answer is: it comes from an Algonquin word meaning “to trade,” through the name of the Ottawa River and the people associated with it.