What were the 24 Puritan families sent by the Virginia Company to Virginia on the Mayflower called?

The term "Pilgrims" specifically refers to the group of English settlers who journeyed to North America on the Mayflower in 1620. This historical designation is often associated with their quest for religious freedom and the establishment of a new community where they could practice their faith without persecution. The Pilgrims are particularly known for founding Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts.

While the other terms like "settlers," "colonists," and "Puritans" could apply to various groups who migrated to America during the colonial period, they do not accurately reflect the identity of the Mayflower passengers. "Settlers" and "colonists" are general classifications that can refer to any group establishing a new home in a foreign land, and "Puritans" specifically describes a religious reform movement within the Church of England. However, it is the term "Pilgrims" that captures their unique historical significance and the context of their journey in 1620.