In 1776, on what date did the Continental Congress officially adopt the name United States?

The Continental Congress officially adopted the name United States on September 9, 1776.

Before that date, congressional documents commonly referred to the colonies collectively as the United Colonies. The change followed the Declaration of Independence and reflected the political transformation from colonies resisting British rule into states claiming national identity.

The wording change did not create a new constitution or settle how the new country would be governed. The Articles of Confederation, the first governing framework, were not approved until 1777 and ratified several years later. The 1776 name change was therefore an important symbolic and diplomatic step rather than the end of the Revolution.

This date is sometimes confused with July 4, the date associated with congressional approval of the Declaration of Independence. July 4 commemorates the declaration, while September 9 marks the formal adoption of the name United States in congressional records.