The athletic nickname "Monarchs" was officially adopted by Old Dominion University in 1955 to honor the state of Virginia's historical moniker, "The Old Dominion," which was originally bestowed upon the commonwealth by King Charles II of England in recognition of its colonial loyalty. This royal heritage is proudly reflected across the university's symbols, including its crowned lion mascot named Big Blue. The moniker serves as a permanent tribute to Virginia's rich historical background and the institution's evolution from its early roots as a division of the College of William & Mary.