The original people of central Massachusetts are known as the Nipmuck, or Freshwater People. In the past, Nipmuck lived throughout central Massachusetts and into adjoining parts of southern New England, into northeast Connecticut and western Rhode Island. Today, Nipmucks live nationwide with their community base in the central MA area, as far west as Springfield, south and southwest into Connecticut, and much of west and central Rhode Island. Spelling of the name varies, as it is phonetic. One may see Nipmuc, Nipmuck, Nipmunk, Neepmuk, Nipmuk, etc.

There are many variations on the spelling of Nipmuck: Neetmock, Neepmuck, Neepnet, Nipnet, Neipnett, Nipmug, and Nipmuc. It is derived from the Algonkin word NIPNET which means small pond place or fresh water people.

Other names associated with the Nipmuck such as Hassanamesit and Chaubunagungamaug are names of Praying Towns throughout MA and CT. Additional Praying Villages are Manchaug, Mokunkokoag, Mokamesit, Natick, Nashoba, Keekamoochaug, Shokolioue, Maanexit, Waentug, Quantisset, Wabaquasset, Quaboag, Pakachoog, Nashaway, Punkapoag, and Pachaug. If your ancestor is believed to be a person of color and had ties with any of the above Praying Villages located in CT, MA or RI or any of the surnames below, you may want to consider joining this group. For further information, please contact the Group Administrator.