A variation of the Chippewa word, Okando, meaning "he watches, lurks or lies in ambush for attacking."

From Increase Lapham's 1844 Geographical and Topographical Description of Wisconsin:

"OCONTO, an important tributary of Green Bay, next north of the Pensaukee, and between that stream and the Peshtego. A short portage connects it with Wolf river. Some settlements have recently been commenced and saw mills erected on this river. It has a considerable tributary from the north, called LITTLE RIVER."

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Oconto River, Wisconsin

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[Source: Card file at the WHS Library reference desk]