A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

Can You Name the U.S. State Without Its Vowels?

How well do you know the names of every state? Could you guess them if we removed all the vowels? Test your knowledge of U.S. state names.

1 / 26
United States on an old and worn toy globe
Stocksnapper/Shutterstock

Of course, all state names have vowels…

There are few words in the English dictionary without a vowel. Every state name contains at least two, and one state name actually begins with two vowels! Many contain a whole handful of vowels—for example, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, North Carolina, and West Virginia all have five. But would you recognize the name of a state if all the vowels were removed?—that’s the question. Roll up your sleeves and prepare to be challenged:

2 / 26
state without vowels utah
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #1

Only two letters. Do you know what state it is?

Answer: Utah

3 / 26
states without vowels
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #2

This state has four very common consonants. Can you name the one letter that’s not in any U.S. state name?

Answer: Illinois

4 / 26
states without vowels iowa
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #3

This one is tricky, only one letter.

Answer: Iowa

5 / 26
states without vowels arizona
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #4

Think about states that have a “z” in them. It’s a pretty odd-sounding word when you think about it. Here’s how all the states got their names.

Answer: Arizona

6 / 26
states without vowels arizona
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #5

This is the state that everyone forgets most when naming all 50.

Answer: Colorado

7 / 26
states without vowels mississippi
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #6

This one is easy. It’s a state that’s famous for having one of the dumbest state laws in America.

Answer: Mississippi

8 / 26
States without vowels idaho
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #7

Hmmm, which state is this?

Answer: Idaho

9 / 26
states without vowels rhode island
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #8

This state’s name once meant “red island.” It’s interesting to hear how every state got its nickname. Can you guess it?

Answer: Rhode Island

10 / 26
states without vowels michigan
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #9

A lot of states start with “M.” Do you know which one this is?

Answer: Michigan

11 / 26
states without vowels new york
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #10

You’re pretty good at this game. To challenge yourself further, see how many states you can identify on a completely blank map.

Answer: New York

12 / 26
states without vowels missouri
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #11

The name of this state may have meant “muddy waters.”

Answer: Missouri

13 / 26
state names without vowels arkansas
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #12

This is one of four states starting with the letter “A.” Do you know the two letters that no countries in the world start with?

Answer: Arkansas

14 / 26
states without vowels indiana
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #13

No, it’s not London.

Answer: Indiana

15 / 26
state names without vowels ohio
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #14

Another tricky one with only one letter. Hint, the state only has four letters total and one of its cities, Columbiana, just won our Nicest Places in America award.

Answer: Ohio

16 / 26
state names without vowels delaware
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #15

This state boasts the oldest graveyard in America. Can you name it?

Answer: Delaware

17 / 26
state names without vowels alabama
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #16

You are forbidden to wrestle bears in this state. Can you guess which one it is? Would you like to buy a letter “A”?

Answer: Alabama

18 / 26
state names without vowels hawaii
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #17

This state is known for it’s beautiful beaches and temperate climate.

Answer: Hawaii

19 / 26
state names without vowels south dakota
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #18

This is the only state where “static” is banned. Causing it, that is. Discover the 50 things you won’t believe are banned in 50 states.

Answer: South Dakota

20 / 26
state names without vowels maine
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #19

This state has the distinction of being one of the happiest states in America.

Answer: Maine

21 / 26
state names without vowels oklahoma
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #20

This state has a famous Broadway show named for it followed by the iconic movie.

Answer: Oklahoma

22 / 26
state names without vowels montana
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #21

The capital of this state is one you’re likely pronouncing all wrong.

Answer: Montana

23 / 26
state names without vowels georgia
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #22

You’ve really got the hang of this challenge now. When you’re finished here, see if you can guess the U.S. state from its abbreviation.

Answer: Georgia

24 / 26
state names without vowels oregon
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #23

This state is home to one of the oldest tourist attractions in America.

Answer: Oregon

25 / 26
state names without vowels alaska
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #24

Hint: This is the only state whose name can be typed on one row of keys. Can you guess which it is?

Answer: Alaska

26 / 26
state names without vowels louisiana
5W Infographics for Reader's Digest, RD.com

State #25

This state is home of the “Big Easy.” If you’re up for another challenge, see if you can guess each U.S. state by its flag.

Answer: Louisiana

Morgan Cutolo
Morgan Cutolo is a former senior production editor at Trusted Media Brands. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2016, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. In her free time, she likes exploring the seacoast of Maine, where she lives, and snuggling up on the couch with her corgi, Eggo, to watch HGTV or The Office.