What is the commonly used name for the early settlers of the Plymouth colony?

The early settlers of the Plymouth colony are commonly referred to as Pilgrims. This term is used to describe the group of English settlers who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 seeking religious freedom from the Church of England. They were part of a larger movement of individuals who wanted to separate from the established church, and thus they embraced a lifestyle and set of beliefs that sought to create a new society based on their religious ideals.

While the term "Separatists" could also be accurate because the Pilgrims sought to separate from the Church of England, “Pilgrims” specifically captures their journey and overarching experience as they sought a new home for their faith. The other options refer to different groups: Quakers were a distinct religious group that arose later, Huguenots were French Protestants fleeing persecution in France, and while some of them sought refuge in America, they were not connected to the Plymouth colony. Thus, "Pilgrims" stands out as the most recognized and encompassing term for the settlers of Plymouth.