 The English in Plymouth Colony fit broadly into three categories : Pilgrims , Strangers , and Particulars . The Pilgrims were a Protestant group that closely followed the teachings of John Calvin , like the Puritans who later founded Massachusetts Bay Colony to the north . ( The Puritans wished to reform the Anglican church from within , whereas the Pilgrims saw it as a morally defunct organization , and sought to remove themselves from it . ) The name " Pilgrims " was actually not used by the separatists themselves . William Bradford used the term " pilgrims " to describe the group , but he was using the term generically to define the group as travelers on a religious mission . The Pilgrims referred to themselves as the Saints , First Comers , Ancient Brethren , or Ancient Men . They used such terms to indicate their place as God 's elect , as they subscribed to the Calvinist belief in predestination . " The First Comers " was a term more loosely used in their day to refer to any of the Mayflower passengers . 
