Pennsylvania is not named after William Penn The current version says which Penn named Pennsylvania meaning Penn s woods As far as I know that is not correct it was named Pennsylvania by King Charles II against the will of William Penn Neither being a historian nor expert Wikipedia contributor myself all I can offer to proof my claim is the Wikipedia article onPennsylvania which states On February 28 1681 Charles II granted a land charter 26 to William Penn to repay a debt of 16 000 27 around 2 100 000 in 2008 adjusting for retail inflation 28 owed to William s father Admiral Penn This was one of the largest land grants to an individual in history 29 It was called Pennsylvania William Penn who wanted it called New Wales or Sylvania was embarrassed at the change fearing that people would think he had named it after himself but King Charles would not rename the grant 30 Penn established a government with two innovations that were much copied in the New World the county commission and freedom of religious conviction 29 This Wikipedia Article also lists as a source Many historic books list a letter by William Penn to Robert Turner written on March 5th 1681 as a source The letter reads DEAR FRIEND My true love in the Lord salutes thee and dear friends that love Lord s precious truths in those parts Thine I have and for my business here know that after many writings watchings solicitings and disputes in Council this day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal of England with large powers and privileges by the name of Pennsylvania a name the King would give it in honor to my father I chose New Wales being as this a pretty healthy country but Penn being Welch for a head as Penmanmore in Wales Penrith in Cumberland and Penn in Buckinghamshire the highest land in England called this Pennsylvania which is the high or head wood land for I proposed when the Secretary a Welchman refused to have it called New Wales Sylvania and they added Penn to it and though I much opposed it and went to the King to have it struck out and altered he said it was passed and he would take it upon him nor could twenty guineas move the under Secretary to vary the name for I feared lest it should be looked upon as a vanity in me and not as a respect to my father who he often mentioned with praise Thou mayest communicate my grant to Friends and expect my proposals it is a clear and just thing and my God that has given it me through many difficulties will I believe bless and make it the seed of a nation I shall have a tender care to the government that it be well laid at first No more now but dear love in the truth