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[Opinions] Re: local place names
I like Shenandoah, although that was a name originally (and unique but I think famous?), so I don't know if it counts. I think most places in Virginia that sound namey originated from names. One that doesn't is Belle Haven, which I could see as a double name. It's named after Belhaven in Scotland which was named after Biel Water, a river. And there's Annandale, again vaguely named after a Scottish river. I don't love Belle Haven or Annandale as places, though. Bluefield? It's named after chicory plants.I didn't realize Michaux was a place in Virginia until I met someone named it.A place that I like and that seems potentially namey in an unusual way is Kennebec (the river in Maine).

This message was edited 11/8/2024, 10:42 PM

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I live in Virginia as well. Like you said most place names that could be names of people actually came from names of people! :) My late husband's father's name was William Shenandoah LN. He went by Shenan.I like these around where I live. Some are already names but some aren't.Salem
Vinton
Hardy
New Castle which I like Castle for name.
Thaxton
Moneta