Another possible meaning of the name is 'song or singer of admiration or glorification'. Ocala is named after Ocale (also Cale, Etocale, and other variants) a Timucua village and chiefdom recorded in the 16th century, the name of which is believed to mean 'Big Hammock' in the Timucua language. Notable attractions include the Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, the College of Central Florida, and the World Equestrian Center.
Home to over 400 thoroughbred farms and training centers, Ocala is considered the 'Horse Capital of the World'. Ocala is the principal city of the Ocala metropolitan area, which had a population of 375,908 in 2020. Located in North Florida, the city's population was 63,591 as of the 2020 census, making it the 54th-most populated city in Florida. Ocala ( / oʊ ˈ k æ l ə/ oh- KAL-ə) is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Florida, United States.
