What is the name of the national anthem?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer.

• The Star-Spangled Banner

Our explanation

A national anthem is a country’s official song. Ours is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” “Banner” means flag. “Spangled” means the stars seem to shine. Francis Scott Key wrote it after a battle in the War of 1812.

Remember it

Star-Spangled Banner: a flag with shining stars.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) p. 72: “The word ‘banner’ means flag.” “‘Spangled’ refers to the stars on the flag that look like they are shining.” Key wrote it “after a battle during the War of 1812.”

• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2008 version), rev. 08/21 (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

Found a mistake on this page? Email us at ljorjoliani@icloud.com.