Who named the Cumberland River during his survey in the 18th century?

Dr. Thomas Walker is credited with naming the Cumberland River during his exploration and survey work in the 18th century. His expeditions in the regions of present-day Kentucky and Tennessee were significant for mapping the territory and giving names to various geographic features. The river was named in honor of the Duke of Cumberland, reflecting the practice of explorers at the time to acknowledge British nobility in their discoveries. This naming shows the influence of colonial ties to Britain in the United States' early history and highlights the role of early explorers in shaping geographical knowledge of the continent.