Explantion 1: The name derives from a Native American word for "wild rice field." Explanation 2: "From Bokawe - an Indian supposed to have formerly lived on its shores. (V.)." Explanation 3: "Cattail flag".  Explanation 4: From "bokuhnzawa", meaning "unclean disease".

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

"PUCKAWA LAKE, is another expansion of the Neenah [Fox] river, about seven miles long and two broad, and about forty miles, by the course of the river, below the portage. The village of Marquette is laid out on the south side of this lake; and a Company has been incorporated to construct a canal from this place to Dekorra, on the Wisconsin river, thus avoiding the portage and much circuitous navigation along the Neenah river."

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Puckaway Lake, Wisconsin

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[Source: Explanation 1: Waupun Leader News. 1 Dec. 1938.Explanation 2: WHS Place Name card file.Explanation 3&4: Milwaukee Sentinel, Aug. 29, 1939.]