Many places in the United States are named after countries and foreign cities, despite having no direct connection to them. Names like New Mexico, Gulf of Mexico, and Mexico Public Library in Maine are just the beginning. There are thousands of locations across the country with names linked to over 100 different foreign countries. Some areas even contain multiple such names, allowing travelers to metaphorically explore the world without leaving their county.
For instance, in Colorado’s Clear Creek County, one can visit the Belgian Hare Mine, pass through the Lebanon Tunnel, and arrive at the Brazil Shaft Mine. Similar patterns exist throughout the U.S., showcasing a blend of cultural and historical influences. Many of these places were named by settlers, explorers, or locals who either had a connection to a specific country or simply found inspiration in foreign names.
The U.S. Geographic Names Information System, which records millions of place names, reveals just how widespread this trend is. Even minor landmarks, such as Turkey Creek and Turkey Knob Windmill, contribute to this vast collection of internationally inspired names. Though some might assume that “Turkey” in these cases refers to the bird, historical evidence suggests that the name traces back to Turkish merchants who once played a key role in the poultry trade.
Religious and Immigration-Based Naming Patterns
Certain country-based names appear frequently in specific regions due to religious or cultural influences. Biblical names are among the most common. Across the U.S., thousands of places are named after Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Churches and cemeteries also contribute to this pattern, reinforcing the religious ties associated with these names.
Names like Salem, derived from the Hebrew word for peace, are among the most popular. Similarly, places named after Greece and Russia appear more often in regions with significant Orthodox Christian populations. In contrast, names such as Norway and Germany tend to appear in areas where immigrants from those nations settled. Spanish place names are concentrated in regions with high Hispanic populations, reflecting historical migration and cultural continuity.
Mexico, in particular, has a strong presence in American place names, even in states far from the former Mexican territories. New England, for example, has several places named “Mexico,” including Mexico, Maine, which was named in 1818 as a tribute to Mexico’s struggle for independence. Canada-related place names follow a more expected pattern, mainly appearing along the U.S.-Canada border. However, this trend does not extend in the opposite direction—Canada has almost no towns named after the United States.
People’s Names and Their Influence on Geography
In many cases, locations were not named directly after foreign nations but rather after individuals bearing those names. This is evident with the name “Jordan,” which appears all over the U.S. Not all of these places were named after the country of Jordan; many were likely named after local figures who happened to share the name.
This pattern extends to personal names derived from countries. The name Jordan has been extremely popular, especially since the 1980s, and has appeared in both first and last names. Many places named Jordan could have been named after settlers, business owners, or local leaders rather than the Middle Eastern nation. Similarly, names like Israel, Greece, and Russia often appear in places where people with those surnames or cultural connections lived.
Some country-related names have gender associations in personal names. For example, Georgia, India, and Malaysia are overwhelmingly used for girls, while Chad and Denmark are mostly given to boys. Some names, like Japan and Panama, appear more evenly across genders but remain rare. The name “America” itself is used by thousands of people in the U.S., mostly among Hispanic communities, and is almost exclusively given to women.
The influence of foreign names on American geography reveals a complex mix of history, immigration, religion, and cultural trends. Whether these places were named after faraway nations or the people who carried those names, they serve as a reminder of the diverse influences that have shaped the United States.
