The word "Nittany" is derived from the Algonquian Native American word Nit-A- Nee , which means "single mountain" or "wind breaker." It refers to Mount Nittany, a prominent ridge near Pennsylvania State University in Centre County, Pennsylvania
. According to local folklore, Nit-A-Nee was also the name of a Native American maiden associated with the formation of the mountain
. The term "Nittany" is most famously used in the "Nittany Lion," which is the mascot of Pennsylvania State University. The Nittany Lion is essentially a mountain lion (also known as a cougar or puma) that once roamed the area around State College, Pennsylvania, until the late 1800s
. The mascot was created in 1904 by a Penn State student who wanted a symbol to represent the university's athletic teams, inspired by the local mountain and the mountain lion that inhabited the region
. In summary:
- "Nittany" means "single mountain" or "wind breaker" from an Algonquian word.
- It refers to Mount Nittany, a ridge near Penn State.
- The Nittany Lion mascot is named after this mountain and represents a mountain lion native to the area
