The term “Ole Miss” first appeared in the early 1900s, but its origins are a bit unexpected. It was originally used by enslaved people on Southern plantations to refer to the mistress of the house—the “ol’ miss” or “old mistress.”
Fast forward to 1936, when university students were voting for a name for their new yearbook. They chose Ole Miss, not as a nod to plantation life, but as a way to capture the school’s spirit and tradition. The name stuck, becoming a term of endearment for the entire university, like a nickname that just fits after a few laughs and some sweet tea.
Today, the name is often used interchangeably with the school itself, especially in athletics and alumni circles. It’s a little like calling your best friend “Bubba”—you know it sounds peculiar, but it’s part of the charm.
Fun Fact: The Yearbook That Changed Everything
The first Ole Miss yearbook sold for $2.50 in 1936. If you find one at a flea market, you’ve got a gem worth more than a weekend brunch at a fancy Oxford café.
