toponymy
Toponymy is the study of place names, their origins, meanings, and cultural significance. It explores how names of cities, rivers, mountains, and other geographical features reflect history, language, and social identity. By analyzing toponyms, researchers can gain insights into the cultural and historical context of a region.
This field often intersects with linguistics, geography, and history. For example, the name New York reveals its colonial roots, while Mount Everest honors the British surveyor George Everest. Understanding toponymy helps us appreciate the stories behind the names we encounter in our daily lives.