10 Classic Baby Names Inspired By Old Cities

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Choosing a baby name can be challenging, but inspiration is everywhere—from movie stars and popular songs to fictional characters. Old cities worldwide captivate us with their charm, history, and distinct personality. Europe’s cobblestone streets and the colonial architecture along the American East Coast have inspired generations with their beauty and importance. Consequently, many timeless names such as Milan and Savannah trace their roots to these places.

Whether you’re a parent who loves to travel, likes a bit of history or wants a name that brings back fond memories of a vacation, this article will share ten classic names inspired by old cities around the globe.

Cairo

For parents of African or Middle Eastern heritage, choosing the name Cairo is an excellent way to celebrate their culture and roots. The name means “victorious” or “the strong,” making it a fitting option for a determined little one.

Sierra

You’ll find a few cities throughout California, Arizona, and Texas that start with the name Sierra (Sierra Blanco, Sierra Madre, Sierra Vista). And of course, there’s Sierra-Leone–a country in Africa. With Spanish origins, it has several meanings, including “mountain range” and “jagged.”

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Lucca

Although this name can be unisex, it’s especially fitting for a baby boy. It stems from Italian culture and means “bringer of light.” In Italy, the city of Lucca is known for its Renaissance style of art and architecture. It’s a fun name for parents who are fans of that era.

Vienna

Vienna is Austria’s largest city and its capital. Interestingly, the name means “city in Austria,” and it is also the title of a Billy Joel song! Known as the City of Music, Vienna might appeal to parents who love music, including fans, composers, producers, or writers, as a name for their daughter.

Troy

Meaning “water” or “foot soldier,” parents who are fans of Greek Mythology may really like the name Troy because it’s the setting of the Trojan War. The archaeological site has been around for centuries.

Bristol

There isn’t a lot of glamour found in the meaning of Bristol (a “place at the bridge” or “meeting place by the bridge”) unless the happy couple met and fell in love by a bridge during a European rendezvous. However, for anyone who plans to raise a fearless woman, Bristol is a subtle nod to the city that gave us the first woman doctor in England, Elizabeth Blackwell.

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Milan

Parents who are heavy into the fashion scene may appreciate the name Milan for their baby girl, as the city is one of the world’s fashion capitals. The name means “dear” or “gracious. In some families, Milan is a unisex name used for both boys and girls.

Damascus

Mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, Damascus is a city in modern-day Syria. This is a nice name choice for religious parents, particularly those who follow Christianity. It is known as “The City of Jasmine.” However, the name itself means “well watered land.”

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Savannah

Established in 1773, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia. And it has consistently been a fan favorite for decades, appearing on countless lists of popular names. The name means “from the open plain” with roots in Spanish and Native American cultures.

Bergen

There are many reasons to love the name Bergen for your baby boy. The name itself, Scandaviana, has Irish roots, allowing parents to pay homage to their respective cultures. Or, maybe you’re fascinated with its meaning: one who lives on a hill or mountain. But for parents who love being near the water, Bergen, Norway, is an iconic coastal city.

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