City Love: 250+ Baby Names That Show Your Regional Pride

Atlanta, GA

Being an Atlanta parent is pretty sweet. From world-class attractions like the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Georgia Aquarium to a plethora of shady parks perfect for playtime any time of the year, you're never at a loss for something juicy to sink your teeth into. In honor of this fair city, we've picked a peck of perfectly peachy Atlanta-inspired baby names for boys and girls that you'll love.

Find all of our favorite Atlanta-inspired names here. 

August or Augusta

In addition to being the city where every spring The Master's Tournament takes place, this Georgia town shares a name with Helen Augusta Howard, who established the Georgia Woman Suffrage Association (GWSA) in the 1890s.

Dex

This one's for you, Decatur. For your funky independence and our favorite book festival of the year, we feel like you need to be honored in the next generation of Atlanta baby's names.

Gladys

The "Empress of Soul," Gladys Knight—a four-time Grammy Award-winner best known for hits Midnight Train to Georgia and I Heard It Through the Grapevine— was born and raised in Atlanta.

Peachy

Peachtree just doesn't work when it comes to a first, or even middle, name. But shorten it, and you'll find yourself with a Peach of a name—perfect for a precious baby from the Peach State.

Boston, MA

Boston folk are a proud bunch and it's no surprise that they love naming their offspring after historical figures, landmarks and even their sports teams.

Find all our favorite Boston baby names here. 

Brookline

We love this name for a girl as it differs from the more popular Brooklyn. It pays homage to this neighborhood just a few T stops past Kenmore Square. 

Copley

Copley Square, named for painter John Singleton Copley, is a public square in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. The name would be great for either a boy or a girl. 

Revere

Prominent Boston silversmith Paul Revere is best known for his midnight ride to alert the colonial militia in April 1775 to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. The town of Revere, MA was named after him in 1871. 

Skylar

Do you really know anything about Boston if you haven't seen Good Will Hunting? We think not. The name Skylar was made popular after Minnie Driver played a character with this name in the movie that was written by Cambridge, MA friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. 

Chicago, IL

Like the city they hail from, Chicagoans have grit—a play-hard, work-hard attitude. They know ketchup has zero business on a hot dog, distance is always measured in minutes and the best football teams are da Bears and anyone who crushes the Packers. It’s a logical leap to stamp a Chicago kid with a name derived from the streets, athletes, politicians and landmarks that make this city great.

Check out our other favorite Chicago names here. 

Adler

Elgin native, Max Adler, was a concert violinist who gave up music to become VP of Sears Roebuck & Co. after marrying into the family that controlled the powerhouse company. After his retirement in 1928, he became a philanthropist who was key to the creation of the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, Adler Planetarium.

Briggs

Lance Briggs played his entire 12-year career as a Chicago Bear linebacker, which is great and all, but mostly Briggs would be an adorable hipster baby name. Just picture baby Briggs in his flannel buttondown, skinny jeans, busted-up Chucks, messy-hair-don't-care style, and over-sized glasses for his 20/20 vision.

Ernie

Nicknamed Mr. Cub and Mr. Sunshine, some say former Cubs player Ernie Banks is the greatest player who ever picked up a bat and glove. He wasn't all brawn and no brains, however, as he was also the first black Ford Motor Company dealer in the United States.

Ida

Ida B. Wells was an African-American investigative journalist, educator and early leader in the Civil Rights Movement, having been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War at the age of 16. She was arguably one of the most famous black women during her time, working to combat prejudice and fight for the equality of African-American women.

Dallas, TX

Anyone who lives in Dallas knows that it’s not only the norm but also highly encouraged to go big or go home. These baby names not only make a statement but also pay homage to the history and culture of Big D.

Find all of our Dallas favorites here. 

Dirk

The Dallas Mavericks wouldn’t be the same without German phenom Dirk Nowitzki. The beloved basketball player hung up his jersey in 2019, but his legend will live on for decades.

Fenix

Popular restaurant chain El Fenix started in Dallas in 1918 and is the country’s oldest Mexican restaurant chain. Some also claim El Fenix is the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Kessler

In honor of George Edward Kessler, a pioneer architect, urban planner and landscape architect who was hired by the city of Dallas in 1908. He was responsible for solving the city’s flooding issues and beautifying the urban areas with greenbelts. Today, the Kessler Park neighborhood is one of the most beautiful in the city, a designated historic district that includes well-maintained examples of Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Trinity

Pay homage to the main water source and the vast urban forest that runs through the city.

Denver, CO

Denver parents get inspiration for their unique baby names from the area's gorgeous landscape, outdoor activities and famous people.

Get more Denver baby names here. 

Aspen/Spruce

What could better convey a love for the great outdoors than naming your baby after a tree? 

Bronc

It's no surprise that this name is on the list of local favorites, after the Denver Broncos, of course.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Piper Ensley (three awesome ideas for Denver baby names!) was a Denver reporter for Woman’s Era, a newsletter of the National Association of Colored Women. Her tireless work campaigning for the Colorado Equal Suffrage Association is credited for helping the state to give women the right to vote in 1893. 

Lark

The Lark Bunting is the state bird of Colorado and we think it makes a lovely girl name. 

Miles

How better to pay homage to the Mile High City than with this classic name? 

Vail

This gorgeous name honors the gorgeous ski area of the same name. 

Los Angeles, CA

From the city’s iconic landmarks to its natural wonders and most significant residents, there are tons of LA-inspired baby names that make our favorites list.

Find the rest of our favorite LA-inspired names here. 

Arcadia

There's something beautiful and otherworldly about this name, which makes sense: Not only is the LA neighborhood of Arcadia known for its natural beauty—it's home to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens—in Greek mythology, Arcadia actually refers to an earthly wilderness paradise where the god Pan lived. 

Ennis

If you're into LA architecture, you might know that this name takes its inspiration from the Ennis House, the Los Feliz mansion Frank Lloyd Wright designed for Charles and Mabel Ennis in 1923. After a complete restoration, the sprawling Mayan revival home was listed for a cool $23 million in 2018—which, coincidentally, is the same year this actress named her son Ennis. So you'd be in good company. 

Fern

For Fern Dell (sometimes called Ferndell), the meandering kid-friendly trail that takes you into LA's oasis within the city, Griffith Park. And wouldn't Dell make a cute middle name too? 

Laurel

Laurel Canyon isn't just the name of a street or a shortcut for getting in and out of the Valley; it embodies an era during the late '60s and '70s when the winding strip above Sunset Blvd. was home to rockers like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and The Eagles. The name captures the free-spirited, peace-and-love vibe of the era without being too "out there." 

Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN

The Twin Cities have some more classic names like Paul and Minnie, but there are a few unique ones that are rising in popularity too.

Dylan

While Bob Dylan was born in Duluth, a city north of the Twin Cities, that doesn’t stop anyone from claiming this Minnesota-born folk star as the inspiration for a baby name. 

Francis/Frances/Gerald/Scott

St. Paul born F. Scott Fitzgerald (Francis Scott Fitzgerald) wrote several novels along with dozens of short stories. Other Fitzgerald-inspired names include Benjamin, after The Curious Tale of Benjamin Button along with Fitz as a unique take on his last name. Also popular is the name Zelda, after his wife Zelda Fitzgerald and Daisy and Gatsby, both characters from The Great Gatsby. His own daughter was named Frances, with a slight spelling variation on his first name. 

George

After George Bonga, who is believed to be the first person of African-American descent born in the state of Minnesota, his father was African-American and his mother was Ojibwe. He married an Ojibwe woman and was fluent in English, Ojibwe and French, George used these skills to work as an advocate for the indigenous people of Minnesota, in the early to mid 1800s. We’d also be remiss if we did not mention George or Floyd, whose unjust killing in Minneapolis in late May of 2020 sparked a revolution of social justice. 

Lena or Olive

After the first Black woman to practice law in the state of Minnesota, Lena Olive Smith. She was also the first female president of the local chapter of the NAACP in 1935.

Missy

This name is inspired by the mighty Mississippi which runs through the heart of the Twin Cities before flowing South toward the Gulf of Mexico.

Mia

This popular baby name is also a nod to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, commonly known as the MIA, a fantastic school and museum that is free to the public.

Prince and Nelson 

Prince Rogers Nelson was a phenomenal musician and groundbreaking performing who hailed from the Minneapolis area. Beloved by generations, newbies are popping up with the names Prince and Nelson in his honor. 

New York City, NY

The NYC baby name options seem limitless, with history-makers, magnates, and iconic figures from every era and discipline, all hailing from, or making their mark on the Big Apple. We rounded up some of the usual suspects and classics, and also looked for some fresh kids’ names that pay tribute to NYC.

Find our favorite New York-inspired baby names here. 

Apollo

Sure, it’s a lot to live up to, what with the god of the sun thing and all—but aim high and pay tribute to this legendary Harlem theater at the same time.

Audrey

Yes, Hepburn is strongly associated with NYC thanks to her iconic role of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but we’re thinking of Audrey Munson, model for scores of major statues around New York City, including the figure atop the Manhattan Municipal Building—second tallest in the city, after Lady Liberty.

Edith

Downtown doyenne (and first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, thank you very much) Edith Wharton inspires this name from another era. 

Hamilton

You’ve heard of this guy. Founding father, first Treasurer of the United States of America, the man behind The U.S. Coast Guard, The New York Post, the Federalist party. And the blockbuster musical. He’s everywhere: Fort Hamilton Parkway, Fort Hamilton, etc.

Lou/Louis

Two musical legends, of different genres. Go downtown cool and pay tribute to Lou Reed, or name-check jazz man Armstrong a New Orleans native who famously settled in Corona, Queens for decades. (You can still visit his house!)

Peggy

Art collector, patron and socialite Peggy Guggenheim left her mark on the city and the world with her wealth and taste. 

Wharton

Another nod to novelist Edith, but for boys. (Possible downside: Nickname "Wart.")

Portland, OR

Portland residents love the rain, good coffee and heading outdoors for hiking, river adventures and snow play. It’s no wonder their deep-rooted love for this beautiful city inspires parents when it comes to naming their babies.

Find all of our favorite Portland baby names here. 

Arleta

During the golden age of Portland's trolley lines in the early 20th century, Arleta Park in SE Portland was platted in 1903 by the Potter-Chapin Realty company. The park was named after Potter's young beloved daughter.  

Jantzen

Portland's beloved Jantzen Beach was a popular amusement park in the 1920's. In fact, it was the largest in the nation at the time. The park was named after its investor Carl Jantzen of Jantzen Swimsuit. By the 50's it was shut down, but the area is still lovely and the name has stuck and is well known to locals.

Pearl

The Pearl District is one of Portland's most popular neighborhoods. It's home to the iconic Powell Book (another name idea) and Crystal Ballroom. The area was once called the Northwest Industrial Triangle. Then in the 80's Thomas Augustine, a local gallery owner, renamed it and said he chose the name because the neighborhood's artists, toiling away in old, crusty buildings, were like pearls inside oysters.

Willamette

Built on the beautiful Willamette River, we couldn't leave this name out as a strong Potential for a him, her or they. Sure, it's not common...or even on anyone's radar yet. But hey, we all have to do our part in keeping Portland weird. And our fine city is the perfect place to raise a little Willamette or two.

San Diego, CA

San Diego kids are dripping in sunshine and beach vibes and rich in vitamin “sea.” Channel the magic of San Diego into your baby’s name by paying homage to the people who have made it the best home ever.

Find all of our favorite San Diego baby names here. 

Cabrillo

In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. San Diego's Cabrillo National Monument pays homage to this fearless conquistador.

Maverick

Top Gun was filmed in various locations around San Diego including a house in Oceanside, Kansas City Barbeque and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Name your little one after Tom Cruise's bold character in this classic film.

Myrtle

Myrtle Creek Botanical Gardens & Nursery is a secret garden and hidden gem. Filled with happy goats, wild birds, butterflies and fairy gardens, this slice of paradise evokes happiness, joy and respite from life's fast pace.

Torrey

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the most beautiful place to stroll or hike with ocean views in San Diego. The rare Torrey Pine tree is an endangered species that only grows in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It was named after botanist John Torrey and is protected and revered for its uniqueness and scarcity.

San Francisco, CA

Being a San Francisco parent means you have a big heart and killer calves: you’ve hiked to the top of Nob Hill with a toddler in tow and we’re betting you’ve been on MUNI one too many times while pregnant. Show your love for the City by the Bay with one of these baby names.

Check out our other favorite San Francisco-inspired baby names here. 

Dolores

It’s not just a beautiful street name or your favorite park. It's the namesake of the first mission in SF (which is also home to one of the only cemeteries within the city proper). Even more fun, it's also the name of Dolores Huerta, who fought for migrant worker rights and co-founded National Farm Workers in 1962.

Harvey

Harvey Bernard Milk was the city’s first openly gay official, elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1951. Today we remember Harvey Milk for his courage and tenacity in standing out by standing up—a true San Francisco attitude. 

Lowell

Lowell High School is the oldest public high school west of the Mississippi. It was founded in 1856 as the Union Grammar School, but became Lowell in 1894. Though it was separated by genders for a time in its early history, Lowell High School was open to both boys and girls 1866.

Noe

Named for José de Jesús Noé, he served twice as alcade (essentially, a mayor) of Yerba Buena. One of his last acts while serving—along with Lt. Bartlett of the US Navy—was to officially rename Yerba Buena as San Francisco. At one time he owned land that covered much of what we now know as Noe Valley, Eureka Valley, Fairmont Heights, Glen Park and Sunnyside.

Seattle, WA

Pacific Northwesterners are a breed all their own. When it comes to parenting, they show their love for the Emerald City through these creative names.

Check out the rest of our Seattle favorites here. 

Alice 

If you liked the band, you'll love the name. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s, selling over 30 million records worldwide. 

Burke

Thomas Burke was an American lawyer, railroad builder and judge who made his career in Seattle. He also served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Washington Territory from 1888 to 1889 and was the main representative of railroad tycoon James J. Hill. The Burke-Gilman Trail, Burke Avenue and the Burke Museum were all named in his honor.  

Jacob

Choose a name with artistic flair when you name your kiddo after famous African American painter and UW Art Professor, Jacob Lawrence. He moved here in the '70s and spent 16 years teaching at UW.

Pike

This street in downtown Seattle takes you to one of the oldest year-round farmers market in the country. It also makes a pretty cool first or second name for a boy.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, DC kids are surrounded by history and culture—evident by the monuments and memorials that can be found on nearly every block. Channel that richness into your baby’s name by paying homage to the people, places, and things that make it an awesome place to live.

Find all of our favorite DC names here. 

Cherry and Blossom

Twin baby girls born in DC couldn't score more precious names than this. You can usually find these gorgeous blooms at their peak in late March. 

Ellington (or Ellie)

Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz musician whose influence on music is undeniable, was born and raised in Washington, DC. There is even a school of arts named after him in Georgetown.

Hill 

Locals refer to the United States Congress as the Hill for short. The Hill is the largest and oldest historic residential hood in DC. stretching east towards the United States Capitol. Politics aside, Hill is a name that conjures hard work and confidence.

Rosslyn

This hub for working professionals in Northern Virginia is located in the northeastern corner of Arlington and home to a ton of business headquarters including Nestle.