10 Famous Places That Were Almost Called Something Totally Different

By now, most of us couldn’t imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower or a U.S. map without the looming outline of the Pentagon. But as it turns out, the names we know and love (or just know) weren’t always a sure thing. Some of the world’s most iconic places were almost saddled with names that feel... let’s say, off. Here are ten legendary locations that nearly went by names you’d probably squint at in disbelief.

10. Central Park – “The Greensward”

Sounds like a Lord of the Rings location, right? Before it became New York’s green escape hatch, Central Park was almost called “The Greensward.” It was part of the original pitch by its designers, who were clearly feeling poetic. Thankfully, cooler—and more literal—heads prevailed. “Central Park” may not be dramatic, but it’s clear and timeless. Plus, it fits way better on a subway map.

9. Mount Rushmore – “The Six Grandfathers”

Long before the presidential mugs were chiseled into stone, the Lakota Sioux knew this sacred mountain as “The Six Grandfathers.” Then along came a New York lawyer named Charles Rushmore, who asked what the mountain was called. A local guide jokingly said, “It’s Rushmore’s,” and somehow… that became the name. Imagine if all landmarks were named by whoever asked first. “What’s that big canyon?” “Oh, that’s Steve’s Hole.”

8. Las Vegas – “Clark’s Town”

Early settlers tossed around a few potential names, including the less-than-glamorous “Clark’s Town” or “Junction City.” Luckily, “Las Vegas” (Spanish for “The Meadows”) sounded way cooler—and more like the kind of place where Elvis might officiate your shotgun wedding at 2 a.m. “What happens in Clark’s Town” just doesn’t hit the same.

7. Niagara Falls – “Thunder of Waters”

The local Iroquoian name roughly translates to “Thunder of Waters,” which honestly sounds way more epic than “Niagara.” The French explorers also gave it a spin—“Sault de Niagara”—before the anglicized version became the standard. Still, “Thunder of Waters” sounds like it belongs in a fantasy novel. Or a metal album. Missed branding opportunity, if you ask me.

6. The Pentagon – “Department of War Building”

Yikes. That was the original plan for the U.S. military’s HQ—a name that sounds like the lair of a comic book villain. In a rare moment of government restraint, someone decided that “The Pentagon,” named for its five-sided shape, had a nicer ring to it. Not exactly friendly, but at least it doesn’t scream “supervillain.”

5. Tokyo – “Edo”

Before it was a bustling megacity, Tokyo was known as Edo. When Japan's imperial capital moved from Kyoto in 1868, the name was updated to “Tokyo,” meaning “Eastern Capital.” Imagine the world today talking about “Edo drift racing” or the “Edo Olympics.” Definitely a different vibe.

4. Disneyland – “Mickey Mouse Park”

Yes, Walt Disney’s original plan was to name his happy little place “Mickey Mouse Park.” It sounds more like a birthday party venue than the global entertainment empire we know today. Luckily, Walt dreamed bigger. “Disneyland” promised magic, fantasy—and slightly less rodent.

3. The Grand Canyon – “Big Canyon”

When explorer John Wesley Powell first laid eyes on it, he reportedly called it the “Big Canyon.” Accurate? Sure. Inspiring? Not even a little. Thankfully, “Grand” won the branding war. Because if you’re going to stand in front of that jaw-dropping abyss, you want to say something better than, “Yup. That’s one big canyon.”

2. London – “New Troy”

According to medieval legend, a guy named Brutus (no, not that Brutus) fled the fall of Troy and founded a new city called—wait for it—New Troy. Sounds like a knockoff Greek yogurt brand. The name didn’t stick, and “London” eventually took hold. Which, all things considered, was probably the right call.

1. The Moon – “Selene”

Before science got involved, ancient cultures had all sorts of dreamy names for the Moon. The Greeks called her “Selene,” the Romans said “Luna,” and somewhere along the way, English speakers just went with... “the Moon.” Not even a proper noun at first. But hey, it stuck. Still, can you imagine if Neil Armstrong had said, “One small step for man… one giant leap on Selene”? That’s pure sci-fi gold.

Which name change surprised you the most?
Tell us in the comments, or let us know what you'd name your favorite landmark if you had the chance. Bonus points for puns.