New York is best known for being home to one of the biggest business hubs in the world; New York City, not only this but many other factors influence people from all over the world to reside and do business in the Empire State.By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.Many states developed an initial nickname after they entered the union 200+ years ago, but not all state nicknames have stuck with each state over the years, and many have developed additional nicknames or primary nicknames that they identify with the most or that set them apart from other states. In 2001, "The Empire State" legend returned to New York license plates. There are many rumors about the history of the nickname.Did the city used to be filled with apple orchards?Does the name originate with a brothel madam named Eve?. All State Nicknames. Big Apple is the nickname of New York City. Today people associate the nickname with the Empire State Building, but the nickname came first. George referred to the state as “at present the seat of the Empire” in December 1784.Similar to many other states, New York’s nickname has adopted many variations over the years, not just one. Empire State . This is in reference to a popular style of pants worn by Dutch colonists. Today, many associate the New York nickname with the iconic Empire State Building, but in fact, the Empire state building played no role in the adoption of New York’s famous nickname.Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month. New York is nicknamed "The Empire State" for its national and global significance. States take their nicknames from various sources so let’s take a look at the New York nickname.The truth is, there is no concrete evidence suggesting what the true origin is for the New York state nickname, but most believe it is due to the state’s history of wealth and variety of resources. Although the New York nickname is “The Empire State”, there are other nicknames that are used when referencing New York, let’s take a look.Nicknames are common for people and sports teams, but why would a U.S. state have a nickname? Though the Dutch were among the earliest settlers, this nickname quickly became insufficient to describe the city's burgeoning progression toward becoming the heart of the American melting pot.Legislators officially enacted the state nickname of New York in the late 19th century, but historians note that it was Washington who began the trend a few centuries before, when he reportedly used the terminology in a few ways, particularly in a letter to the mayor of New York City, James Duane. The New York state motto "Excelsior" is a Latin motto and in English it means something in the vicinity of "ever upwards", "higer" or "superior". Also the nickname "The Empire State" is the source of inspiration behind the name of The Empire State Building in New York City.One interpretation of the message behind the New York motto is that the Latin word "Excelsior" is symbolic for striving for higher goals or ambitiously working towards achieving one's goals.The nickname is German and is made up of "Knicker" (box) and "Bock" (male goat).