The name is from French simply meaning "upper lake" which has been translated into English, but it fits quite well.

If you've ever been to the lake in-person it hits you. I'll speak for myself, but the presence of the lake is different than the other great lakes.

Lake Superior is cold, deep, massive, and dangerous. I can tell you from kayaking near the shore that you don't want to go too far out. And that was on a calm day when it was safe.

The waves seem to be larger than they should be. The water is frigid and eerily crystal clear. And the expanse past the horizon is dark and looming.

Even modern day "lakers" are at risk of capsizing during storms ("The gales of November..."). They will take refuge behind geographic features such as the Apostle Islands to weather out a bad one. And they can still be caught off guard even today.