Baby Names

55+ Baby Names Inspired by Your Favorite Places Around the World

written by BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN
place baby names"
place baby names
Source: Wild Briar Co.
Source: Wild Briar Co.

They say a lot changes when you become a parent. You can say goodbye to late nights out on the town, and hello to post-midnight diaper changes. So long, hot new TV shows, and hello, toddler rewatches. Some believe you even have to say au revoir to traveling for the near future. While we don’t suggest new parents let their passports expire just because they bring a newborn home, you likely will be focusing on a different adventure, at least for a little while.

That doesn’t mean the travel bug doesn’t get the best of all of us. And let’s not forget, traveling with kids can be highly rewarding for both them and us—core memories: created! If you’re a self-proclaimed globe trotter, jet setter, or citizen of the world, you may want to draw some baby name inspiration from your favorite travel locations. Or perhaps, you want to find inspiration close to home. Yet with a world of possibilities, it can be tough to narrow all the options down.

That’s why we put together this epic list of place names for babies, inspired by cities, countries, landmarks, and more for both boys and girls. You’re sure to find a baby name in here that will make your heart take flight. Read on for over 55 place baby names for your world traveler in the making.

Baby Names Based on Cities and States

Aspen

Origin: British | Meaning: Shaking tree

A gender-neutral name for mountain lovers (or skiers!) is this name that brings to mind the impressive trees and mountains of Colorado.

Austin

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Magnificent

Live music fans may want to draw inspiration from the Texas state capital, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Barbara

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Strange

While at first glance Barbara may sound like a boomer baby name, it also may be recognized by Californians. We’re drawing inspiration from the coastal town of Santa Barbara.

Carmen

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Orchard

Parents who can’t wait for their next beach vacation may be drawn to this name brought to our list of place names for babies by Playa del Carmen in Mexico.

Casper

Origin: Persian | Meaning: Treasurer

Whether you’re inspired by the “friendly ghost” or the historic Wyoming city, consider this unique but old-school title.

Charlotte

Origin: French | Meaning: Free man

It’s no surprise why this classic baby name is currently in the top 10 most popular in the U.S. Inspired by Charlotte, North Carolina, the French name means “free man.”

Cheyenne 

Origin: Native American | Meaning: People of a different language

Planning on raising a little cowgirl? There may not be a name more fitting than this Native American option inspired by the Wyoming city.

Cody

Origin: English | Meaning: Helpful

Another option from the Cowboy State, this name that was made extra popular in the 1990s is an option not to be overlooked for your little wrangler.

Collins 

Origin: Gaelic | Meaning: Young hound

Speaking of the Wild West, fans of Fort Collins, Colorado, may love this adorable option for a girl or a boy.

Dallas

Origin: Scottish | Meaning: From the dales

While we’re on the topic of cowboys, it’s only right to include Dallas in the mix! The Texas city is home to the NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, among many other influential moments and monuments in history.

Denver

Origin: French | Meaning: Green valley

We may know it as more of a surname thanks to John Denver, but the capital city of Colorado has a title fit for any edgy little one.

Diego

Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Saint Jacob

Sunny San Diego has long been a favorite family vacation spot. Raise a little surfer with this coastal name.

Francisco 

Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Free man

Or, head upstate California to a city with plenty of history and personality, San Francisco. The fairly popular Spanish name means “free man.”

Helena

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Shining light

Sticking with the mountainous region, Helena is a great alternative to the classic Helen and elicits imagery of the Montana municipality.

Jackson

Origin: Old English | Meaning: Son of Jack

The possibilities are endless for this one! Be inspired by Jackson, Mississippi, Jacksonville, Florida, or even Jackson Hole, Wyoming. No matter what, this is a classic name that is especially perfect for a little boy who has an influential Jack in his life.

Jericho

Origin: Arabic | Meaning: City of the moon

A historic option to be sure, Jericho is located in the Jordan Valley. The unique gender-neutral name has both Hebrew and Arabic ties and is a great edgy baby name option for a little rebel.

Kingston

Origin: English | Meaning: King’s town

One of the most popular boy names in Mississippi, Kingston will feel a little more unique in other parts of the country. It is also a strong city-inspired pick honoring the coastal capital of Jamaica.

place inspired baby names
Source: @tabbilane

Lincoln 

Origin: British | Meaning: Lake colony

Names inspired by places are especially fun because they can hold several meanings. Be inspired by Nebraska’s capital city or the United States’ 16th President, Abe Lincoln, with this distinguished surname turned first name.

London

Origin: Latin | Meaning: City in England

From our friends across the pond, we had to include the iconic city in England. Plus, if you’re a Disney Channel OG, you may recognize it as the charmingly spoiled character from The Suite Life of Zach & Cody, London Tipton.

Louis

Origin: French, German | Meaning: Famous warrior

Whether you go for the barbecue, the Gateway Bridge, or the sports teams, St. Louis is more inspiring than you may think. We love this charming name with French and German origins meaning “famous warrior.”

Marietta

Origin: Egyptian | Meaning: Beloved

Anyone unfamiliar with the geography of the state of Georgia may not recognize this charming town outside of Atlanta. We happen to believe it makes one of the most darling place names for babies. It’s inspired by the Greek name María and has Egyptian roots.

Memphis

Origin: Egyptian | Meaning: Enduring

Speaking of barbecue, this city in Tennessee is known for the tasty delicacy, as well as being the “Home of the Blues.” You’ll be singing anything but the blues when you bring home a little one with this inspired moniker.

Milan

Origin: Slavic | Meaning: Gracious

Looking for a baby name that’s chic and modern? This Italian city-inspired baby name could be perfect for a little fashionista in the making.

Montgomery

Origin: English, French, Scottish | Meaning: Gumarich’s mountain

Montgomery can pay homage to the Alabama city that became the center of the American Civil Rights movement. The longer first name would also pair nicely with a short last name.

Paris

Origin: French | Meaning: City name

Because you’ll have full-heart eyes at the site of your new baby girl, draw baby name inspiration from the city of love.

Phoenix

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Crimson

A geographical name with mythical ties? Say no more! Not only do we think of the sunny Arizona city, but Phoenix brings to mind a powerful, mythical creature that rises from the ashes.

Santiago

Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Saint James

Situated in the stunning Andes Mountain Range is the capital city of Chile, Santiago. Name your little one after the city known for fine eateries, art galleries, and two neoclassical landmarks.

Savannah

Origin: Spanish | Meaning: From the open plain

Raise a little southern belle with this adorable name that feels both modern and timeless. It’s brought to our list by the charming and historic city in Georgia.

Sevilla

Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Valley

While not directly a city name, Sevilla is an inclusion inspired by the Spanish city, Seville. Known for incredible architecture, tapas, and flamenco, we can’t think of a better namesake for a little girl.

Sydney

Origin: Old English | Meaning: Wide Island

This gorgeous gender-neutral name is, of course, inspired by the most populated city in Australia, the capital of New South Wales, home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, legendary surf spot Bondi Beach, beautiful coastlines, and more.

Tennessee

Origin: Native American | Origin: Bend in the river

Whether you think of country music or the impressive Smokey Mountains, Tennessee is a unique title for a worldly little one.

Troy

Origin: Irish | Meaning: Foot soldier

Ancient baby names anyone? As one of the oldest place-inspired baby names on our list, it’s definitely one you’ll want to consider. We love the historic and geographic crossover that is Troy, known as the city of the historic Trojan War.

Tyler

Origin: British | Meaning: Tile maker

Tucked away east of Dallas and north of Houston is the city of Tyler, Texas, known for the thousands of rose bushes that bloom each year in town. With both nature and geographic ties, Tyler may be the perfect option.

Verona 

Origin: Italian | Meaning: Truth

A perfect name to pair with a sister Juliet or a brother Romeo, Verona is the city in Italy known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.

Victoria

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Victory

The land down unda’ and way up north both provide baby name inspo. An Australian state and a Canadian city, Victoria also has a rich history in Roman mythology.

Viktor

Origin: Latin | Meaning: Conqueror

Anyone who’s ever ventured to Iceland knows that it’s filled to the brim with stunning scenery. This inclusion (although not a direct tie) is inspired by the capital city, Reykjavík.

Vienna 

Origin: Latin | Meaning: City in Austria

If you can hear Billy Joel sing, “When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?” when you hear this name, perhaps it’s the baby name for you. Brought to our list by the vivacious Austrian capital.

Zaria

Origin: Russian | Meaning: Dawn

Inspired by the historic city in Nigeria, Zaria is a gorgeous name for a little girl that’s sure to light up your world.

city-inspired baby names
Source: @hikarimurakami

Baby Names Inspired by Countries and Continents

Aruba 

Origin: Caiquetio | Meaning: Well-situated island

Dubbed “one happy island,” visiting Aruba is sure to put a smile on your face almost as big as welcoming a newborn. Consider this island-inspired name for your little one.

Asia

Origin: Greek | Meaning: To go out

With the meaning of “to go out” and inspiration from the expansive land of Asia, you can raise a little one ready to see all the world has to offer.

Chad

Origin: British | Meaning: Protector

In our culture, this name may be on the verge of going extinct thanks to its current connotation. That doesn’t mean it’s not fit for a revival when inspired by the African country.

Cypress

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Cypress tree

Another edgy inclusion when used as a baby name. Imagery of sparkling beaches is brought to mind when hearing the name of the Middle Eastern country, Cyprus.

Egypt

Origin: Greek | Meaning: Of Aigyptos

If the pyramids are calling your name, perhaps this majestic title is perfect for your newest addition. It’s, of course, brought to our list because of the African country.

India

Origin: Latin, Sanskrit | Meaning: From India

There may be no better place to draw inspiration from than the colorful country known for its incredible architectural sites. If having a baby is your very own version of the Taj Mahal, consider the lovely name India.

Talia

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Dew of God

Those of us with Italian heritage and those who simply love a hefty plate of pasta can appreciate this moniker inspired by the country of Italia.

Trinidad

Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Holy Trinity

When a mix of cultures meets a mix of jungle and beach, beautiful things happen. Trinidad is brought to our list by the Caribbean Island.

Jordan

Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: To flow down

Not an uncommon choice for both boys and girls, Jordan is brought to our list by a second Middle Eastern country. The name also holds Biblical ties when referencing the Jordan River. The river is famously known as the location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.

Scot

Origin: British | Meaning: From Scotland

Head to the highlands to have the time of your life and find baby name inspiration! Brought to our list by the country known for scotch and golf, Scotland.

place baby names
Source: @paigechristensen

Place Names for Babies Based on Landmarks

Amber

Origin: French | Meaning: Amber-colored

If you’ve spent time in the southeastern part of Africa you may be familiar with places like Tarangire National Park or the Serengeti. Venture even more east onto the ocean to the island of Madagascar. Here you’ll find another stunning national park known as the Amber Mountain region.

Camden 

Origin: British | Meaning: Enclosed valley

In a borough of London, you’ll find a vibrant market filled with over 1,000 shops known as Camden Market. This lively area is not only a great place to spend time on vacation but has baby name potential, too.

Capri

Origin: Italian | Meaning: Wild boar

As far as baby names based on places, this may be one of the most creative. If sipping a spritz, shopping your heart out, and taking in stunning views is your idea of a good time, this is the baby name for you. The inclusion is inspired by the island on Italy’s Bay of Naples. It also happens to be the name Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa chose for their youngest daughter.

Caspian 

Origin: Latin | Meaning: White

If you’d rather be inspired by water than land, look no further. The Caspian Sea is known as the world’s largest inland body of water. It’s located in Central Asia.

Denali

Origin: Native American | Meaning: The high one

Head way up north where there’s plenty of snow for this name fit for a young outdoorsman (or woman!). Denali is known as the out-of-this-world mountain in Alaska.

Everest

Origin: British | Meaning: Dweller on the Eure River

Did someone say out-of-this-world mountain? It doesn’t get much more impressive than Mount Everest—also known as the highest mountain above sea level. To raise a little one who’s sure to reach new heights, a name like Everest is a must.

city inspired baby names
Source: Etsy | Mod Wood Co.

Hudson

Origin: English | Meaning: Son of Hudd

Whether inspired by the river or the city of the same name, we have New York to thank for this husky inclusion. With ties back to Medieval England, this is a perfect option if you love old names.

Martha

Origin: Aramaic | Meaning: Lady

Another island-inspired name, Martha is brought to our list by the popular vacation destination, Martha’s Vineyard. Whether you spent summers exploring the Massachusetts landmark or have only dreamed of it, it’s an adorable name choice.

Sahara 

Origin: Arabic | Meaning: Desert

Little ones born near the desert may be especially fitting to hold this name. The expansive Sahara Desert in Africa inspired this gorgeous inclusion.

Sequoia

Origin: Native American | Meaning: Large coniferous tree

If this baby name sounds vaguely familiar, you may recognize it as one Ross and Rachel vetoed on Friends. They may have said no to it, but we happen to think it’s a beautiful nature-inspired baby name.

Sierra

Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Saw

Taking inspiration from mountain ranges is easy to do. This is especially true for the Sierra Nevadas of North America.

brett nicole hayden
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor

As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!