American Place Names

A rare geographical option which has never been given to more than 12 baby boys per year in the US, but is familiar to everyone. The actual meaning of the state's name, which comes from that of a local tribe, is unknown, but it has often been said to mean "people of the west wind".

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

More distinctive than Grace and more creative than Presley, Graceland is a contemporary name that could catch on with parents searching for a unique honorific.

There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.

For sailors or jazz lovers. Or smokers of menthol cigarettes.

As far as Texas place names go, Houston is more unique than Austin and Dallas and more attractive than Marfa.

Malibu, the name of a California beach city, evokes sunshine, surfing, and glamour. With its fashionable "oo" sound — as seen in names like Luna and Ruby — Malibu is an unexplored place name worth considering.

A city name that sounds more legit than most because of its similarity to Peyton and other such names in circulation.

A southwestern city name that could make a distinctive alternative to Dallas.

Columbia is a rarely used name with many associations. From the eighteenth century it has been used as a female personification of the United States, often appearing as a flag-draped patriotic figure. And as such it's inspired a plethora of place and company names, from the District of Columbia to Columbia University to Columbia Records, and songs like "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean." A character called Columbia appears in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Fargo as a baby name? Though we haven't heard of any babies named for this frigid North Dakota city, it's certainly on the map of possibilities.

A fun, unexpected way to honor your home state or a Mary in your life. As geographical girl names such as Ireland, Scotland, and Oakland slowly rise up the charts, Maryland could be a future favorite.

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

A pretty private park in Manhattan, doesn't quite make it as a baby name.

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".

Beautiful downtown Burbank -- about as glamorous a place-name as Akron...or Detroit.

Mesa is the term for a flat-topped mountain, derived from the Spanish word for "table".

Lacks the cachet of some newer place-names.

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.