what's in a name?

[drembo]

This may seem a silly topic, but it has caused some heated discussion among my friends. The mountain range this board refers to is the Sierra Nevada mountain range. One can also call the upper reaches of the Sierra Nevada the "High Sierra" . But is is proper to refer them as the "Sierras", as the Rocky Mountains are called the "Rockies", or is it called the "Sierra"?
I propose that it is appropriate to call it/them the Sierras, meaning the mountains that make up the Sierra Nevada.
What say you?

[ERIC]

I believe the argument is in how "Sierra Nevada" translates from Spanish to English; I believe it's "Snowy Range". Since we're talking about one range, and a range implies multiple mountains, then Sierra should not be pluralized.

Just a guess.

[Hikin Mike]

I believe the argument is in how "Sierra Nevada" translates from Spanish to English; I believe it's "Snowy Range". Since we're talking about one range, and a range implies multiple mountains, then Sierra should not be pluralized.

Just a guess.

+1

[Snow Nymph]

I believe the argument is in how "Sierra Nevada" translates from Spanish to English; I believe it's "Snowy Range". Since we're talking about one range, and a range implies multiple mountains, then Sierra should not be pluralized.

Just a guess.

that's what I heard too.

[dave54]

According to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names all are acceptable in common usage. Here is their list of variants:

Blaue Berge
California Range
Cordilleras of California
High Sierra
Kay-o-pha
Santa Lucia Range
Sierra Neauados
Sierra Neuado
Sierra Nevada Mountains
Sierra Nevadas
Sierra San Marcos
Sierras Nevadas
Skye Mountains
Snowy Mountains



To the purist, though, you would also need to specify which Sierra Nevada range you are referring to, since one is also found in Spain and Mexico.