Urban Chic: City Names for Girls & Boys

Sydney, Brooklyn, London - there's something undeniably charming about naming your baby after iconic cities around the world. Place-inspired names have surged in popularity as parents seek unique yet recognizable monikers with built-in character and global flair. Whether you've fallen in love with a metropolitan destination during your travels or simply appreciate the cosmopolitan sound, city names offer both sophistication and a sense of adventure. From the elegance of Vienna and Florence to the trendy appeal of Austin and Milan, these geographic treasures can inspire a lifetime of wanderlust in your little one while honoring places that hold special meaning for your family.

Places inspire, move, and shape us. Our environment, our heritage, the places we live in, travel to, dream about, and love all become a part of who we are. This is why cities have always been a powerful source of baby name inspiration. From the romantic streets of Paris to the vibrant energy of Brooklyn, urban locations offer a treasure trove of meaningful possibilities for your little one's name. Whether you want your baby's name to honor a special city in your heart, commemorate a meaningful trip, or even celebrate the actual place where your baby was conceived, city-inspired names carry stories and connections that will last a lifetime. These geographic monikers also strike a perfect balance between uniqueness and familiarity, giving your child a name that stands out while still having roots in the real world.

City names for girls

Adelaide - Australian Elegance

Adelaide is a sophisticated Germanic name meaning "noble-natured," derived from the elements "adal" (noble) and "heid" (kind, sort, type). The name gained prominence through the beautiful coastal capital city of South Australia, which was named after Queen Adelaide, consort to British King William IV in the 1830s. This regal name carries historical significance, having been borne by a revered 10th-century Italian saint and numerous European noblewomen throughout history. Adelaide offers versatile nickname options including Addy, Adele, Della, and Laidey, making it both formal and approachable. The name combines classical elegance with a modern geographical connection, perfect for parents seeking a name with both substance and style.

Geneva - Swiss Sophistication

Geneva embodies elegance and cosmopolitan charm, drawing inspiration from Switzerland's diplomatic center. Nestled between Alpine mountains and its namesake lake, Geneva city exudes refined European sophistication. The name stems from Germanic origins meaning 'juniper tree,' though it may also derive from Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. With its international associations to diplomacy, watchmaking excellence, and natural beauty, Geneva offers a distinctive yet accessible choice for parents seeking a name with cultural depth and European flair. Its gentle pronunciation and refined sound make it increasingly appealing for modern families looking beyond traditional feminine names.

Odessa - Black Sea Beauty

Odessa is a stunning port city on Ukraine's Black Sea coast and the country's third-largest urban center. The name has spread internationally, with cities in Texas and Florida also bearing this elegant moniker. While its etymological origins remain somewhat mysterious, some scholars believe it may have connections to the ancient Greek epic The Odyssey, referencing the hero Odysseus and his legendary journey. The name carries a sense of adventure and resilience. In popular culture, actress Odessa A'zion has brought attention to the name through her starring role in the Netflix series Grand Army. As a baby name, Odessa offers a perfect blend of exotic charm and historical significance.

City names for boys

Austin - Texas Charm

Austin offers a perfect blend of traditional roots and contemporary appeal. Derived from the Old French name Augustine and ultimately from the Latin Augustus meaning "venerable" or "great," this name carries historical weight while remaining stylishly current. Named after Texas's vibrant capital city, Austin conveys a sense of southern charm and modern sophistication. The name has gained popularity through notable bearers across various fields including sports, entertainment, and politics. For a literary twist, consider the spelling Austen, which pays homage to the beloved English novelist Jane Austen. With its strong sound and cultural connections, Austin provides a geographically-inspired choice that balances classic heritage with a distinctly American feel.

Boston - New England Heritage

Boston is a distinctive place name that emerged on baby name charts in 2004, coinciding with the Boston Red Sox's historic World Series victory—their first championship in over 80 years. This New England city carries rich historical significance, originally named after a city in England. The name Boston derives from "Botwulf's Tun," where "tun" meant town in Old English, and Botwulf was the English patron saint of travelers and farmers. Today, the name represents strength, tradition, and the vibrant culture of Massachusetts' capital city, making it an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking a name with both historical depth and contemporary appeal.

Kingston - Jamaican Spirit

Kingston perfectly aligns with the popular trend of baby names ending in -on, similar to favorites like Grayson and Jameson. This distinguished place name refers primarily to Jamaica's vibrant capital city, though it also denotes a charming town in upstate New York. With English origins, the name literally translates to "the king's town," carrying a sense of nobility and strength. Kingston has gained notable popularity among celebrities, with music icon Gwen Stefani choosing it for one of her sons. The name evokes images of tropical beaches, rich cultural heritage, and a relaxed yet regal atmosphere that makes it an excellent choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet familiar.

Francisco - Spanish Influence

Francisco is immediately evocative of San Francisco, California, a city named by Spanish colonists who established a mission there in 1776 honoring St. Frances of Assisi. This distinguished name has been carried by numerous saints throughout history and appears in several of Shakespeare's renowned works. The name gained contemporary attention when acclaimed actor, composer, and filmmaker Lin Manuel Miranda, known for creating Hamilton and contributing to Encanto, chose it for his son. Art enthusiasts will recognize Francisco Goya, the celebrated Spanish romantic painter counted among the Old Masters, whose influential works continue to captivate audiences centuries later. The name carries a sophisticated European flair while maintaining strong American associations through its city namesake.

Diego - California Cool

Diego has rich linguistic origins, possibly derived from Santiago, the Spanish version of Jacob or James. It also stems from a Greek word meaning "teaching" or "instruction." The name gained popularity in the United States partly due to its association with San Diego, the picturesque coastal city in Southern California. Notable bearers include Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, who was married to artist Frida Kahlo, and legendary Argentinian soccer player Diego Maradona, whose extraordinary skills on the field led to a signature move being named after him. With its blend of cultural significance and California cool factor, Diego offers a stylish yet substantial name choice for modern parents.

Santiago - Latin American Flair

Santiago is a distinguished Spanish name with Hebrew roots, derived from the name Jacob. This name gained prominence through its association with Saint James, one of Jesus's disciples. As the capital city of Chile, Santiago carries a rich cultural heritage, but its appeal extends far beyond geography. The name has been proudly worn by numerous professional soccer stars throughout history, including Santiago Bernabeu, a legendary figure in Real Madrid's storied legacy. Literary enthusiasts might recognize Santiago as the resilient protagonist in Ernest Hemingway's classic The Old Man and the Sea and Paulo Coelho's inspirational novel The Alchemist. With its melodic sound and profound cultural connections, Santiago offers parents a name that combines Latin American flair with worldwide recognition and deep historical significance.

Unisex city names

Addison - Modern Metropolitan

Addison derives from Old English meaning "son of Adam," and has evolved into a stylish unisex name with urban associations. Notable locations include towns in Michigan and Texas, Addison County in Vermont, and Addison Place in London. The name gained significant popularity after the character Dr. Addison Montgomery appeared in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. More recently, TikTok sensation Addison Rae has further propelled this name into the spotlight, especially among Generation Z parents. The name's metropolitan connections and modern sound make it a sophisticated choice that works equally well for all genders, currently ranking higher for girls but maintaining its unisex appeal.

Berlin - German Strength

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, serving as both a cultural hub and an increasingly popular baby name choice for all genders. The name carries connotations of strength, resilience, and artistic spirit, reflecting the city's rich history and dynamic modern identity. Though the exact etymology remains debated, linguists believe it derives from the West Slavic word "birl" meaning swamp, as the city was built on marshy lowlands along the River Spree. Berlin gained additional cultural recognition through the '80s new wave band of the same name, known for their hit "Take My Breath Away" from the film Top Gun. As a baby name, Berlin offers a distinctive geographic connection while conveying a sense of cosmopolitan sophistication and strength. Parents are increasingly drawn to this name for its gender-neutral quality and its association with a city known for creativity, resilience, and historical significance.

Brooklyn - New York Edge

Brooklyn has emerged as a stylish, gender-neutral name that captures the creative spirit of New York's most populous borough. Originally a Dutch settlement called Breukelen, the name combines the melodic elements of Brook (meaning "one who lives near a brook" in Old English) with the popular suffix "lyn." This vibrant name rose to prominence in the early 2000s and continues to appeal to parents seeking an urban-inspired choice with cultural cachet. The borough's reputation for artistic innovation, diversity, and historic charm has made Brooklyn a distinctive choice that works equally well for boys and girls, embodying a perfect blend of edgy sophistication and approachable warmth.

Chicago - Windy City Wonder

Chicago is a distinctive unisex name that gained celebrity status when Kim Kardashian chose it for her daughter. As the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago sits majestically on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois. The city's name has fascinating Native American origins, derived from the Algonquin word "shikaawkwa," which refers to ramps (a type of wild onion that grew abundantly in the region). Despite its cultural significance and celebrity association, Chicago remains relatively uncommon as a baby name and hasn't yet appeared in the U.S. top 1,000 names. This makes it a bold, unique choice that carries the energy and historical richness of the iconic Windy City.

Cody - Western Charm

Cody works beautifully as a name for both boys and girls, though it's traditionally more popular for males. This versatile name is shared with a charming town in Wyoming, which was named after the legendary William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, who helped establish the city in the late 19th century. The name itself has Irish roots, derived from a surname meaning "helpful one" or "descendant of Coda." Cody embodies the rugged spirit of the American West, particularly in rodeo circles where numerous champions bear this distinctive name. Most notably, Cody Lambert, a former rodeo star, made history as one of the co-founders of the Professional Bull Riders organization. The name's association with Western heritage and frontier resilience makes it a compelling choice for parents seeking a name with both character and historical significance.

Dallas - Texan Boldness

Dallas originated as a Scottish and English surname meaning "meadow dwelling" long before it became associated with the vibrant Texas city. This versatile name has been recorded for boys since 1880 when U.S. baby name tracking began, but has shown impressive gender flexibility, appearing in girl name registries as early as 1910. With its strong consonants and sophisticated ending, Dallas projects confidence and a pioneering spirit. Notable bearers include actress and director Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of filmmaker Ron Howard. The name embodies the bold, independent character of its namesake city while maintaining a contemporary appeal that works beautifully for children of any gender.

London - British Classic

London stands as the historic capital of England and has emerged as a popular unisex name choice that carries gravitas and sophistication. With roots shrouded in ancient history, the name's origins are debated among linguists and historians. Most scholars believe it derives from a Celtic word that Romans later adapted during their occupation of Britain, eventually evolving into the anglicized London we recognize today. As a baby name, London evokes images of bustling city life, cultural richness, and centuries of influential history. It offers a perfect blend of traditional British heritage with contemporary appeal, making it suitable for children of any gender who might inherit its cosmopolitan flair and timeless elegance.

Paris - French Elegance

The name Paris embodies the enchanting essence of the renowned French capital, often referred to as the City of Light. Derived from the Parisii, an indigenous tribe who first settled in the region, this sophisticated unisex name carries centuries of cultural significance. While socialite Paris Hilton brought contemporary fame to the name, it also has deep roots in Greek mythology, where Paris was a Trojan prince whose actions sparked the legendary Trojan War. As a baby name, Paris evokes images of elegant boulevards, artistic heritage, and romantic ambiance - making it perfect for parents seeking a name rich with historical depth and cosmopolitan flair. The name strikes a beautiful balance between strength and refinement, suitable for any child destined to make their mark on the world.

Phoenix - Rising Star

The name Phoenix carries a rich dual heritage as both a vibrant city and a powerful mythological symbol. As the capital of Arizona, Phoenix represents one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, built upon ancient Native American settlements. However, its deeper significance comes from Greek mythology, where the phoenix bird dramatically self-immolates only to be reborn from its ashes—embodying themes of resilience, transformation, and eternal renewal. This profoundly meaningful name has gained popularity as a perfectly balanced unisex choice, ranking similarly for both boys and girls in recent years. Parents drawn to names with symbolic depth, distinctive sound, and a touch of mystical energy often find Phoenix an irresistible option that works beautifully regardless of gender.

Rio - Carnival Spirit

Rio captures the vibrant essence of both flowing waters and lively cityscapes, deriving from the Portuguese and Spanish word for "river." This melodic name evokes images of Brazil's captivating Rio de Janeiro, famous for its spectacular Carnival celebrations, breathtaking beaches, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Nature lovers might appreciate the connection to the Rio Grande, the majestic river flowing from Colorado through New Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico. Perfect for free spirits and adventure seekers, this name carries rhythmic energy reminiscent of samba beats and coastal breezes. The name gained additional cultural significance through Duran Duran's '80s hit song "Rio" and various film characters, making it a contemporary choice with deep cultural roots.

Sydney - Australian Harbor

Sydney is Australia's largest and most iconic city, known for its stunning harbor and famous Opera House. As a baby name, Sydney has a rich history, originating from an English surname that likely derived from Old English words meaning "wide water meadow." Some linguists suggest an alternative origin from the French St. Denis, a 3^rd-century Christian martyr. Sydney has maintained consistent popularity in the United States since the early 1900s when it first appeared in the top 1,000 baby names. The alternate spelling, Sidney, once enjoyed similar popularity but has become less common in recent decades. Both spellings work beautifully as unisex options, though Sydney is now more frequently given to girls while Sidney is more often chosen for boys. Parents are drawn to this name for its cosmopolitan feel and connection to one of the world's most beautiful harbor cities.