Adopted in the 9th Report of the Geographic Board of Canada, 30 June 1910, as long-identified on maps and in journals. Re-approved 28 May 1915 to specifically identify as the main source the channel sometimes known as the South Fork Fraser River (the portion between Yellowhead Lake and Prince George). Re-approved 1 May 1934 and 17 January 1951 on Jasper Park sheets; headwaters confirmed 2 August 1956 at 52° 34' x 118° 21' on 83E/3.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

"Fraser River" and the approved French form, "Fleuve Fraser", are identified as names of pan-Canadian significance per Treasury Board Circular 1983-58, 23 November 1983.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Named about 1808 by officers of the North West Company, after Simon Fraser (1776-1862), superintendent of the district of New Caledonia, who had explored the river that year. Description of c1915 navigation and hazards on file cover N.1.51.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office