Why is Philadelphia called The City of Brotherly Love?

Why is the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania (USA) known as the City of Brotherly Love?

• Answer:

  It is correct that the word "Philadelphia" can be translated from Greek to mean "City of Brotherly Love". What no one has mentioned is that the name was coined by William Penn himself (PENN sylvania--get it?) who founded and named the unsettled land of Philadelphia in the late 1600's. He coined the name in part because of his Quaker beliefs, which revolved around peaceful living and a simple lifestyle. Ironically, Penn never actually became a United States citizen, but his son and grandson were citizens and governed Philadelphia for many years--to mixed reviews, I might add. He stands now atop the City Hall building at the center of the city. One may argue today that Philadelphia is hardly an example of brotherly love, but Penn had great expectations for it in the 17th and early 18th century.