Neosho

The origin of the name Neosho (or Neozho; pronounced "nē-ō'-shō" - originally "nē-ō'-zhō", or "nē-ō'-zhū") is not certain. It is generally accepted to be of Osage (a Native American tribe) derivation.

William Cutler, on page 826 of his book "History of Kansas," says the word means: "water that has been made muddy." Another source says that the name osho or ozho, means a "bowl" or "basin." The "Chronicles of Oklahoma" states: "...[it is] Osage for "bright water." The "Gazetteer of Missouri" states: "Neosho is an Indian name and signifies 'clear-cold-water'." James R. Mead on the other hand, says that: "Neosho is an Osage word, meaning 'Ne,' water; 'osho,' clear. Neosho -- clear water. In the Indian languages the adjective comes after the noun." This later version is the most accepted.

Neosho may refer to:

Populated places: Neosho, Missouri
Neosho, Wisconsin
Neosho Falls, Kansas
Neosho Rapids, Kansas

County: Neosho County, Kansas

River: Neosho River in Kansas and Oklahoma

Fish: Neosho madtom, a small catfish

United States Navy: USS Neosho (1863), lead ship of the Neosho class of single-turreted river monitors (1863–1873)
USS Neosho (AO-23), Cimarron-class oiler (1939–1942)
USS Neosho (AO-48), Kennebec-class oiler, launched 1942, sold and renamed SS Catawba
USS Neosho (AO-143), the lead ship of the Neosho-class oilers (1954). Transferred to MSC in 1978 as USNS Neosho (T-AO-143), stricken 1992

Education: Neosho County Community College

Translation

The word "Neosho" occurs as such in the following languages: English, German, Dutch, Polish, Volapük.