What does Rainy Lake mean?

David Thompson’s map (1825-26) shows east end of Rainy Lake as “Wapesskartagar” and the west end as “Koocheche sakahagan.” The lake is separated by the Grande Detroit, meaning “Great Strait.” In 1688, French Canadian voyageur Jacques de Noyon passed through Rainy Lake and noted that it was called “Ouchichiq” by the Cree Indians. LeVerendrye called it Tekamamihiouenne in 1783. Paul Kane and Alexander Henry called it Lac la Pluie. Koochiching is supposedly an Indian word that translates as “mist from the falls.” Angel in 1986 thesis on Rainy Lake Methodist Mission, says the Indians called Rainy Lake “Kochejeeng” or Couchiching.