The word "Tulsa" has Native American origins. It is derived from the name of the Tulsa people, a Native American tribe that originally lived in the region. The Tulsa people are part of the larger Creek (Muskogee) Nation, and their name for themselves is "Hesaketvmese," meaning "People of the Red Earth" in their language. Over time, the name "Tulsa" came to be associated with the city in Oklahoma, which was settled by Native Americans and later became a major hub of commerce and culture.

The city of Tulsa was named by its founders in 1836, who were members of the Creek (Muskogee) Nation. It is believed that the name "Tulsa" was derived from the Creek word "Tallasi" or "Tullahassee," which means "old town" or "old settlement" in the Creek language. The founders chose this name to reflect the area's history as an important Creek settlement. The city of Tulsa was officially incorporated in 1898.