Arizona - Name of a state derived from "Arizonac," a former Papago rancheria or small village in Sonora, Mexico, just below the boundary line at the present city of Nogales.  Arizonac meant "Small Springs" in Papago.  In 1836-1841 there was a rush of treasure seekers to the Southwest when balls of silver of enormous size were found.  The territory was called Arizona and when new Mexico was divided from it, the name was retained for the remaining portion.