8 Nicknames for Spokane and the Reasons for Them

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Spokane, located in Eastern Washington, was incorporated in 1881 along the picturesque Spokane River. Since then, it has grown into the state's second most populous city. With nearly 150 years of history, it's no surprise that residents have come up with various nicknames for the city over the decades.

You may already be familiar with some of Spokane's most popular nicknames, such as "Lilac City," which refers to the lilac blooms that can be found throughout the town. There's also the city's official nickname, "Hooptown USA." But what about the lesser-known monikers?

In this article, you'll discover eight nicknames for Spokane, Washington, from the well-known to the unusual ones, along with the stories and fun facts behind them. Continue reading to learn more.

8 Spokane Nicknames

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Children of the Sun

The city's name comes from the Spokane, a Native American tribe that originally inhabited the region. Spokane translates to "Children of the Sun" in the Spokane Salish language. The city wasn't named because of the Children of the Sun moniker, though.

The town was incorporated and called "Spokan Falls" in 1881 because of the falls at the heart of the city. After two years, the "e" was added to make it "Spokane Falls." Then, in 1891, the city's name was shortened to just Spokane.

Today, Children of the Sun remains an enduring cultural nickname for Spokane, appearing in public projects like the Children of the Sun Trail, which honors the area's Indigenous heritage.

Lilac City

Although it may not be Spokane's official nickname, "Lilac City" is the most popular and well-known moniker. Its origins date back to 1906, when the first two lilac bushes were planted in Spokane.

Six years later, park superintendent John Duncan received 128 lilac plants from Rochester, New York, which led to the establishment of Spokane's renowned Lilac Garden in Manito Park.

However, it was in the 1930s that the Lilac City nickname gained widespread recognition. During that decade, Spokane leaders asked a gardening club to plant lilac bushes at locations throughout the city, and in 1938, Spokane held its first Lilac Festival.

Today, the Lilac Festival remains an annual tradition. You'll find the most extensive collection at Manito Park, although lilacs can be spotted throughout Spokane.

Inland Empire

Spokane and the surrounding region became known as the "Inland Empire" in the late 19th century. At that time, most of the Pacific Northwest's population lived near the coast or along major trade routes, while the interior was largely unmapped and unsettled, except for the native population.

While the territory spans more than just eastern Washington, Spokane and other areas along the Spokane River have always been at the heart of the Inland Empire.

Today, the region is more commonly referred to as the "Inland Northwest." Still, you'll find the Inland Empire nickname used primarily in and around Spokane to reference the city's cultural heritage.

Hooptown USA

Although the Lilac City moniker may be older and more popular among residents, the official nickname for Spokane is "Hooptown USA." City officials adopted the Hooptown USA designation in 2021 as a tribute to Spokane Hoopfest, the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

The outdoor basketball tournament began in 1989, with roughly 500 teams participating in its first year. Today, more than 6,000 teams take part annually, and the event draws over 200,000 spectators each June, making it one of the largest streetball competitions in the world.

Spoke Vegas

The nickname "Spoke Vegas," sometimes written as "Spoke-Vegas," playfully alludes to Las Vegas, Nevada. It's a newer nickname often used to highlight Spokane's growing casino and entertainment scene.

While modern casinos began popping up in the 1990s, gambling has been a part of Spoke Vegas' history for much longer. Following the Great Spokane Fire of 1889, which devastated much of downtown Spokane Falls, the city quickly rebuilt, and gambling became so commonplace that downtown real estate was changing hands over a game of cards or a roll of the dice.

The Spoke Vegas nickname also refers to the city's broader entertainment options. Spokane may not be on the same level as Las Vegas in terms of shows, but performance venues like the Bing Crosby Theater continue to attract world-class talent to the city.

The Kan

This one is straightforward: "The Kan," sometimes written as "'Kan," is just a shortening of Spokane. If you're from out of town, this is an easy way to remember that Spokane ends with the "can" sound and not "cane."

The Kan is one of the most popular slang nicknames among locals and is commonly used in casual conversation. It's also been adopted as the name for the city's only ultra trail race, which draws runners from across the Pacific Northwest.

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Skate City USA

Ice skating has a long history in Spokane, to the extent that it has become known as "Skate City USA." Ice skating in Spokane dates back to the 1800s, with the sport's popularity reaching its peak in the 1930s.

But even if skating isn't as trendy as it was in the early 20th century, you'll still find several regional figure skating clubs. The city also holds amateur competitions regularly and even hosted the US Figure Skating Championships in 2007 and 2010.

Today, one of Spokane's most famous ice skating attractions is the Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park. Opened in 2017, this 650-foot-long ribbon-shaped roller rink transforms into a public ice skating rink every winter, offering a unique skating experience in the heart of Spokane.

The Spoke

Although it may not be as new as the Hooptown USA slogan, "The Spoke" is a relatively recent addition to Spokane's array of nicknames. The term was popularized in 2007 by Mike Brey, then the head coach of the University of Notre Dame men's basketball team.

Before a first-round NCAA tournament game against Winthrop in Spokane, Brey said he was getting "good vibes for The Spoke." Despite his optimism, Notre Dame lost the game 74-64.

While The Spoke didn't originate as an official moniker, it has since been adopted by locals and is occasionally heard in casual conversation, especially when discussing sports.

In Summary

Spokane's rich history and vibrant culture have given rise to a variety of nicknames, each reflecting a different aspect of the city's character. From its early beginnings to the bustling, modern city it is today, these monikers offer a glimpse into the unique identity Spokane has built over nearly 150 years.

If you enjoyed learning about the many ways people refer to Spokane, share this article with friends or fellow travelers — it's a fun way to get inspired for your next visit to the city!

This article was edited by Loredana Gogoescu.

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