Around the World in 36 Names: City Edition is a blog post that takes readers on a journey through some of the most fascinating and diverse cities around the globe. From bustling metropolises to charming villages, this post explores the rich history and culture behind 36 cities and the stories behind their names.
The post begins with a brief introduction about the importance of names and how they reflect the identity and character of a place. It also sets the stage for the readers to embark on an exciting adventure through different cities and their unique names.
The first part of the post covers cities in Europe, starting with Amsterdam, Netherlands. Readers will learn that the name Amsterdam comes from a combination of “Amstel” (the name of a river) and “dam” (meaning “dam” in Dutch). Moving on to Paris, France, readers will discover that the city’s name is derived from a tribe called “Parisii” who inhabited the area in ancient times.
Next, the post takes readers to Asia, starting with Tokyo, Japan. The name Tokyo literally means “Eastern Capital” and was chosen when the city became the capital of Japan in the late 19th century. Readers will also learn about the significance of the word “khan” in the names of cities like Beijing, China and Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Around the World in 36 Names: City Edition
The post then moves on to the Americas, starting with Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The name of this vibrant city means “January River” in Portuguese, as it was discovered by Portuguese explorers on January 1st, 1502. Readers will also discover how cities like New York, USA and Buenos Aires, Argentina got their names and the interesting stories behind them.
The final part of the post explores cities in Africa and Oceania. Readers will learn about the significance of the word “Cape” in the names of cities like Cape Town, South Africa and Cape Verde. They will also discover the unique naming traditions of indigenous cultures in places like Sydney, Australia and Honolulu, Hawaii.
The post concludes with a reflection on the power and importance of names in shaping a city’s identity and creating a sense of belonging for its inhabitants. It also encourages readers to travel and explore these cities for themselves, to discover the stories and meanings behind their names.
In summary, Around the World in 36 Names: City Edition is a captivating blog post that takes readers on a journey through different cities and the stories behind their names. From Europe to Asia, the Americas to Africa and Oceania, this post showcases the diversity and richness of our world through the lens of city names. It is a reminder that behind every name, there is a story waiting to be discovered.