History of Fresno
Q: What Does the Name "Fresno" mean?
A: Fresno
County, which takes its name from the Spanish word for "ash," or "ash
tree," was created April 19, 1856; its present boundaries were established
in 1909. Historians say the Spanish name for "ash" was applied
because the Oregon Ash, Fraxinus oregona was native to the area. (Gudde,
Erwin G. California Place Names; The Origin and Etymology of Current
Geographical Names, 3rd ed. 1969.)
For more information on Fresno County History, see: