American Place Names

An unlikely place name today, but one that was found among enslaved people in the 1800s.

This state name -- it comes from the Ute Indians -- has a strong but feminine sound.

If you like your place names bold and undiscovered.

Tribeca was the term created for New York City's TRIangle BElow CAnal Street. Stangely enough--that aside--it almost does sound like a plausible girls' name, nicknamed Becca.

American place and tribe name, derived via French from the Dakota word ayúxba "sleepy ones".

Evocative of the lush islands, Hawaii is a place name that will transport you — at least in spirit.

Manhattan is the smallest yet one of the most populous New York City boroughs. The area was historically inhabited by Munsee Lenape and Wappinger tribes of Native Americans, and the name Manhattan is derived from the Munsee Lenape language. Hickory trees that were used to make bows grew on the southern part of Manhattan, which inspired the term manaháhtaan, from the Munsee Lenape words for "gather" and "bow."

A possibility for your li'l cowgirl.

The name of the capital city of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County, which is thought to come from a Kansa word meaning "good place to grow potatoes".

Athens the city takes its name from Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage. If you prefer place names to mythological names and like gender neutral names better than those that are gender distinct, Athens may be a good alternative to Athena.

Maryland appeared on the charts as a male name before a female one, but these days it's all girl.

Provo is the name of a conservative Utah city that's unlikely to be among the most fashionable place-names. You'd do better with Utah.