How did El Dorado County got its name?

El Dorado County in California got its name from the Spanish term "El Dorado," meaning "the gilded one" or "the golden one." This name is associated with the legendary city of gold that explorers sought in the Americas. The county was established during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century, reflecting the region's rich gold deposits and the hopes of those who came to seek their fortune. The name symbolizes the allure of wealth and prosperity that attracted many to the area.