There are several possible explanations for the name "hoagie." It likely came from the "Hog Island sandwiches" eaten by dock workers near Philadelphia. Other etymologies say it may be named after famous American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, or after street peddlers called hokey-pokey men who sold these types of sandwiches. It may even be a mispronunciation of the term "hokie" sandwiches.