These Kentucky Towns Share Names with Famous International Locations

Have you ever wondered how towns and cities across the country get their names? Think about it, Kentucky has over 400 cities and each one, obviously, has a name. Who makes that decision, and how is it made? Some towns are named after their founders (Louisville and Covington), famous people (Shakespeare and Lincoln), or geographical features (Green River and Black Mountain). But, what about the Kentucky cities with international names?

How Do American Cities Get International Names?

Many American cities are named after international locations due to historical, cultural, and personal influences from early settlers and explorers. Here are some examples:

• Many immigrants named towns after their home cities to maintain a connection to their roots. For example, New York was named after York, England.
• European colonists often named places after familiar European cities to make the new land feel more like home. Paris, Texas, and Moscow, Idaho are a couple examples.
• The Enlightenment era led to classical and biblical names being used for cities, reflecting admiration for ancient civilizations. Examples of this include Athens, Georgia, and Rome, New York.
• Some cities were named after exotic or prestigious international locations to attract settlers and boost real estate appeal. Cairo, Illinois, for example.

Kentucky has its fair share of towns with names borrowed from famous international locations, whether inspired by European capitals, ancient civilizations, or distant lands. You'll notice the spelling and pronunciation of some of these towns may differ from their international counterparts (Kentuckians have a knack for putting their own spin on things).

Check out the gallery to see which international names you can find right here in the Bluegrass State!