State Nickname of Rhode Island
The Ocean State
RI is the Two-letter or Postal Abbreviation and R.I. is the Traditional or Standard Abbreviation for the State of Rhode Island. It’s official nickname is “The Ocean State.” The nickname is used to promote tourism. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US but has 400 miles of coastline and many beautiful sandy beaches. All Rhode Islanders live within a 30-minute drive to the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay.
The state of Rhode Island first started licensing vehicles in 1904. The first license plates were issued in 1904, were made of porcelain and featured black and white numbers. The current standard issue plates feature the light blue wave on white background with dark blue numbers with the official state nickname “Ocean State.”
Other Rhode Island Nicknames
“Little Rhody” is a traditional nickname for Rhode Island, in reference to the state’s small size. Variations include “Little Rhodie,” “L’il Rhody,” and “Little Rhode.”
The nickname “Plantation State” is derived from the states official full name “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
“The Smallest State” is another nickname referencing Rhode Island’s size.