15 U.S. Towns That Share Names With Other Countries
Have you ever pondered America’s odd naming conventions? It’s an interesting practice in the United States to give its localities names from other countries. The American landscape is dotted with references to other countries, as many early settlers named their new hometowns after the locations they left behind.
These fifteen American towns, each with its own distinct history and personality, have names that correspond to real nations.
Peru, Indiana
This Midwestern gem became known as the “Circus Capital of the World” when several circus companies made it their winter headquarters in the late 19th century. Peru, Indiana got its name in 1834, though historians debate whether it was named directly after the South American country or after another American town with the same name.
The community hosts an annual circus festival that celebrates its unusual historical connection to the big top.
Cuba, Missouri
Located along the famous Route 66, Cuba, Missouri has embraced its namesake through colorful outdoor murals depicting scenes from both local and Cuban history. The town was established in 1857 and was likely named after the island nation during a period when American interest in Cuba was high.
Its nickname “Mural City” comes from the 12 large outdoor paintings that have become a major tourist attraction.
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Holland, Michigan
Founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847, Holland embraces its namesake’s heritage with authentic Dutch architecture, windmills, and an annual Tulip Festival that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. The settlers specifically chose the name to honor their homeland across the Atlantic.
During the May festival, the streets fill with traditional Dutch costumes, wooden shoes, and over five million tulips in bloom.
Norway, Maine
This New England town was ironically named not for the Scandinavian country but for a misunderstanding—early surveyors mistook the area’s maple trees for Norway pines. Established in 1797, the community became a center for snowshoe manufacturing in the 19th century.
Norway, Maine has produced several Olympic ski champions despite the mistaken origin of its name.
Mexico, Missouri
Founded in 1836, this town was named amid widespread American interest in the Mexican War of Independence. Mexico, Missouri serves as the county seat of Audrain County and calls itself the “Saddle Horse Capital of the World” for its role in developing the American Saddlebred horse breed.
The town hosts an annual Saddlebred Horse Show that continues this proud tradition.
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Denmark, South Carolina
This small southern town was established in 1837 and named after a local settler with the surname Denmark, not directly after the European nation. Denmark, South Carolina is home to Voorhees College, a historically Black college founded in 1897.
The town has played a significant role in civil rights history, with several important voter registration drives organized there during the 1960s.
Canada, Kentucky
This tiny unincorporated community in Pike County got its name not from our northern neighbor but from the name of a local settler, James Canada. The rural Appalachian hamlet represents one of the smallest communities on this list.
Despite its modest size, Canada, Kentucky maintains a distinct identity among the hollers and hills of eastern Kentucky coal country.
Italy, Texas
Situated approximately 45 miles south of Dallas, this tiny town was named so by 1880s pioneers who believed that the European peninsula’s geography and climate were duplicated here. Italy, Texas, commemorates its European namesake in festivals and Italian-themed shops.
The town preserved its small-town character but remained within commuting range of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
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Portugal, Indiana
This tiny unincorporated community represents one of the lesser-known international namesakes in America. Portugal, Indiana has largely remained a quiet rural crossroads since its founding.
The origin of its name remains somewhat mysterious, though local folklore suggests a Portuguese immigrant may have established the first trading post in the area.
China, Maine
Originally named Harlem, this New England town was formed in 1818 and changed its name in response to the missionary song “From Greenland’s Icy Mountains to India’s Coral Strand,” which makes reference to China. China, Maine is well-known for its conservation initiatives and stunning lake. Early American settlement patterns were frequently influenced by religion, as seen by the town’s peculiar naming tale.
Poland, Maine
First settled in 1767, Poland shares a name with the European nation though it was actually named after an Indigenous word meaning “land of pines.” Poland, Maine gained fame through its pure spring water, which became the foundation for Poland Spring water company.
The town remains proud of its water heritage, with the historic Poland Spring Resort still operating today.
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Lebanon, New Hampshire
This New England town was named in 1761 after the Middle Eastern country, likely due to the biblical connections the religious settlers saw in the region’s cedar trees. Lebanon, New Hampshire has evolved into an important medical and academic hub, hosting part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
The town sits along the Connecticut River forming the border with Vermont.
Jordan, Minnesota
Named after the Middle Eastern nation and its famous river, this town was settled in the 1850s by German and Czech immigrants. Jordan, Minnesota preserves its heritage through its annual Heimatfest celebration and charming downtown district.
The scenic Minnesota River flows nearby, reinforcing the watery connection to its biblical namesake.
Jamaica, Vermont
This picturesque New England town got its name not from the Caribbean island but from an Indigenous Natick word meaning “beaver.” Jamaica, Vermont is home to some of the region’s most beautiful forests and state parks.
Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its proximity to popular ski resorts that bring seasonal visitors to the Green Mountains.
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Wales, Massachusetts
This small New England town was named directly after the country that forms part of the United Kingdom, settled by Welsh immigrants in the early 1700s. Wales, Massachusetts remains one of the smallest towns in the state with fewer than 2,000 residents.
The rural community maintains much of its historical architecture and New England charm that has characterized it for centuries.
American Namesakes
The practice of naming American towns after international places reflects the diverse origins of settlers and their continued connections to ancestral homes. These communities often develop their own unique identities while maintaining subtle connections to their namesakes through architecture, festivals, or local businesses.
These fifteen towns represent just a fraction of the international namesakes scattered across the American landscape, each serving as a reminder of the global influences that shaped the settlement patterns of the United States. Whether intentionally named or coincidentally sharing titles with nations around the world, these communities add rich texture to America’s cultural geography.
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