Why is Philadelphia called the "City of Brotherly Love"?

Philadelphia—a city where history seeps out of every cobblestone and cheesesteak stand. The nickname "City of Brotherly Love" stems from the Greek roots of its name: "philos" (love) and "adelphos" (brother). It was chosen by William Penn, the city’s founder, in 1682 as part of his vision for a haven of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Penn’s dream was to build a city where different faiths and cultures could live in harmony, a stark contrast to the religious strife in Europe at the time. Ironically, while the city is celebrated for its nickname, the early days were anything but peaceful—there were plenty of disputes over land, politics, and even street brawls. Yet, Philadelphia’s name stuck, and over time it’s become a badge of pride. From hosting the signing of the Declaration of Independence to producing some of the best pretzels in the country, Philly has worn its affectionate moniker with a mix of historical gravity and a wink of gritty charm. And hey, if brotherly love means shouting at opposing sports teams while holding a soft pretzel, Philly’s got it down to an art.