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Names after cities and geographical areas

Aecatys
By Aecatys
Updated Tue May 16 2023
  1. Florence

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "flourishing, prosperous"

    • Description:

      Florence is back, returning to the US Top 1000 girl names in 2017 after a nearly 40 year absence. Other English-speaking countries have been quicker to welcome Florence back into fashion.
  2. Atlas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of the heavens"

    • Description:

      Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.
  3. Lydia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "woman from Lydia"

    • Description:

      Lydia is one of the first place names, after an area of Asia Minor whose inhabitants are credited with strong musical talent great wealth. Always among the US Top 1000 girl names, Lydia is a quietly fashionable classic.
  4. Athena

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Athens"

    • Description:

      Magical and distinctive but grounded and familiar too, it's no surprise that Athena has become one of the most widely used ancient goddess names in the contemporary Western world. Derived from the city name Athens, it is current a Top 100 choice in the US.
  5. Doris

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of the ocean"

    • Description:

      Doris had long been on our so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out-for-babies list, and seemed to be written there in indelible ink. But there are signs of a sea change, that Doris could profit from the revivals of Dorothy and Dorothea.
  6. Myra

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sweet-smelling oil"

    • Description:

      As with many grandmother-y names, this choice may be coming back into style.
  7. Larissa

    • Origin:

      English, German, and Portuguese variation of Larisa, Greek and Russian

    • Meaning:

      "citadel"

    • Description:

      Daintily pretty without being frilly, Larissa is familiar but more quietly used than its sound-alikes Melissa and Alyssa. Though this is the more common variation in the Western World, the original is actually Larisa.
  8. Apollonia

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "destroyer, strength; father's light"

    • Description:

      This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain. It could make an unexpected route to sweet nickname Polly — or perhaps to the quirky apple!
  9. Olympia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Mount Olympus"

    • Description:

      With its relation to Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods, and to the Olympic games, this name has an athletic, goddess-like aura, making it the perfect Olivia substitute.
  10. Alexandria

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alexandra, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alexandria turns classic Alexandra into a more distinctive place-name, in both Egypt and Virginia, while also giving it a touchy of frilliness. The name peaked in the 90s when it entered the US Top 100 for the first time, but has since been on decline.
  11. Hermione

    • Origin:

      Feminine version of Hermes, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "messenger, earthly"

    • Description:

      Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own.
  12. Cyrene

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "supreme power"

    • Description:

      Cyrene was a mythical nymph and huntress who was beloved by Apollo. An ancient city in Libya was named after her.
  13. Venetia

    • Origin:

      Italian place-name

    • Description:

      Venetia, the name of the region encompassing Venice, has a radiant, picturesque authenticity, as do the related Venezia and Venice.
  14. Illyria

    • Origin:

      Greek place-name and feminine variation of Illyrius

    • Description:

      Illyria can trace all its varied associations to the name of an ancient place in the western part of the Balkan peninsula, also called Illyricum. Its inhabitants, conquered by the Romans in 168 BC, were called the Illyrians. Its mythological ancestor was Illyrius, a demigod and son of King Cadmus and the goddess Harmonia.
  15. Anaia

    • Origin:

      Basque or feminization of Anaiah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "brother; God has answered"

    • Description:

      As a female name, Anaia is typically used in its Basque form, where it is derived from the word anai, meaning "brother." In the Bible, Anaiah is the name of two minor male characters.
  16. Lamia

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      Name of mythological fiend who seduced young men and then ate them, which inspired the Keats poem "Lamia." Described in mythology as a snake with the head and breasts of a woman, this name has been considered in modern times as a vampire name. And if all that isn't discouraging enough, there's the "lame" connection.
  17. Dacia

    • Origin:

      Latin place-name

    • Description:

      Dacia is an ancient place-name -- it was in Eastern Europe -- as lacy as Dacey, but more substantial.
  18. Ionia

    • Origin:

      Greek place-name

    • Description:

      Also relating to the sea and the islands, this name is a bit more melodic than its cousins.
  19. Nysa

    • Description:

      Nysa is a feminine name with ancient roots, deriving from Greek mythology where it referred to a mountain nymph who helped raise the god Dionysus. Historically, Nysa was also the name of several ancient cities throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. The name carries an exotic, ethereal quality with its flowing sounds and mythological connections. Nysa remains quite rare in modern usage, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth and feminine grace. Its brevity and melodic quality make it distinctive yet accessible. The name's pronunciation (typically NYE-sah) gives it a gentle, lyrical quality. While never having achieved widespread popularity, Nysa appeals to those drawn to names with classical origins and mystical associations.

  20. Olympos

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Mount Olympus"

    • Description:

      Mythical, yet limp.