The origin of the name Oregon is uncertain although three prevailing theories exist. It may come from the Spanish word "orégano" for the wild sage which grows in the eastern part of the state.

The second theory is that it originates from the Spanish word "orejon" meaning "big-ear" which was a term that was applied to many Indian tribes in the area.

The third theory suggests that the name comes from the French Canadian word "ouragan" meaning "storm" or "hurricane." It's thought that the Columbia River was at one time called "the river of storms" by Canadian fur traders in the area.

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Oregon has the only state flag with different pictures on each side. Both sides have a field of navy blue with all of the design in gold. The front of the flag has a picture of a shield and an eagle above it. The shield is encircled by thirty-three stars representing the number of states in 1859. The shield depicts the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean upon which British and U.S. ships make trade. A forest and a valley with a covered wagon upon it are center of the shield and in the foreground is a plow, wheat and pickax.On a banner reads "The Union" signifying unified support for the United States of America. Across the top of the flag is "State of Oregon" and the date of statehood "1859" below. On the reverse appears a beaver which is the state animal representing the original pioneer which was the French Canadian fur trapper.