The term "Appalachian" is derived from the indigenous word "Apalachen," used by the Native American tribes to refer to the mountain region.

The name "Appalachian" comes from the word "Apalachen," which was used by the Native American tribes, particularly the Creek and Seminole peoples, to describe a group of mountains in the southeastern United States. The term was adopted by European settlers in the 16th century and later came to be used for the entire mountain range stretching from Canada to Alabama. The word "Apalachen" is believed to have been used by indigenous groups to refer to the mountain ranges or the region in general, and it evolved into the modern name "Appalachian."