Which phrase first appeared as the United States’ name in the Declaration of Independence?

The phrase “United States of America” first appeared as the nation’s name in the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration’s formal heading called it a declaration by the representatives of the United States of America. The phrase identified the colonies as a collective political entity rather than as separate British colonies.

Congress formally approved the name “United States of America” on September 9, 1776. This occurred after the Declaration’s adoption on July 4 and after the Lee Resolution of July 2, showing that the founding process involved several separate decisions.

The phrase is sometimes confused with “United Colonies,” a label used before independence. The new name reflected the colonies’ claim to become independent states joined in a common union, a political idea that developed further under the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.