Toponymy is the study of place names and their meanings. It explores how names of locations, such as cities, rivers, and mountains, are formed and what they reveal about the culture and history of a region. For example, the name New York reflects its origins as a new settlement named after the Duke of York, showcasing the influence of British history in America. Understanding toponymy helps us appreciate the connections between language and geography. It can reveal insights into the natural features of a place, like Lake Michigan, or the people who lived there, such as the Native American tribes that named many locations across the United States.