Street Naming Conventions: Do Street Names Always Need Specific Keywords?
Street naming conventions can be a source of both curiosity and confusion. In this article, we delve into the rules and exceptions of street naming, focusing on the necessity for certain keywords in street names and highlighting common street features.
Introduction to Street Names
Street names often follow specific patterns and structures, which can easily lead to misunderstandings. For example, many street names seem to contradict their intended length or character. This article aims to clarify some of these misunderstandings and provide insights into why certain suffixes are used in street names.
Does a Street Name Have to Have a Specific Keyword?
The short answer is no, but there are certain conventions that must be followed. For instance, a street must have the word 'street,' 'avenue,' 'court,' 'boulevard,' etc., in its name to comply with official naming standards.
Consider a street like 'Courts Way Terraces.' It may initially seem confusing because it includes the term 'way' and 'terrace,' but these are different segments of a larger street. For instance, 'Courts' might be a dead-end street, while 'Way' and 'Terraces' refer to the rest of the street. The naming pattern can make it difficult to navigate; what you initially think is one location can turn out to be several blocks away.
Examples of Street Naming Conventions
In San Francisco, Mission Street often appears without the word 'Street' on street signs, but maps consistently add 'ST.' This inconsistency highlights the sometimes contradictory nature of local naming conventions. The suffix in a street name typically indicates the type of roadway, such as 'Court,' 'Boulevard,' or 'Circle.'
- Courts: general dead ends (as in 'Courts Way Terraces') - Boulevards: wider streets (such as 'Broadway' in New York City) - Lanes: narrow, often shorter streets - Circles: offshoot streets with both ends attached to the same main street
These are general guidelines, and there are always exceptions. For example, you can see streets like 'Broad Street Street' or 'Broadway Way,' where the word 'street' is redundant.
Common Street Features and Names
Many cities and towns have unique street features and names that defy the traditional conventions. For instance, not every street needs to include 'street,' 'road,' or 'roadway.' Some common street names such as 'The Road,' 'The Drive,' and 'The Walk' are real and can be found in various locations.
One such example is 'The Road' in a certain town. Would it be 'The Road Street' or 'The Road' on its own? In populated places like San Francisco, you may find streets with names like 'Mission,' 'Ferry,' or 'Market,' without adding 'Street' to the end.
Take a closer look at Google Maps, and you'll find examples of streets that don't strictly follow the naming conventions. For instance:
Fern View: A street named Fern View (no 'Street' at the end) Oakfield: A street named Oakfield (no 'Street' at the end) Ashlands: A street called Ashlands, near the corner of another street (no 'Street' at the end)These examples highlight the variety and exceptions in street naming conventions across different regions and cities.
Other Notable Roads
There are several roads in the U.S. and other countries that follow unique naming conventions. Here are a few notable examples:
Broadway: This name, without a suffix, is used to refer to the main road running through New York City and its northern suburbs. Additionally, 20 U.S. cities mentioned on Wikipedia also have roads named Broadway. The Bowery: Located in New York City, this street has a unique, non-conventional name that stands out from the typical naming conventions. The Alameda: Another unique name found in Baltimore, Maryland, this street name is distinctive and not adhering to the standard conventions. Boulevard in Richmond, Virginia: Richmond had a road called simply "Boulevard" for many years, but it was recently renamed "Arthur Ashe Boulevard" to honor the tennis champion from that city.These examples illustrate how street naming can be both unique and varied, but they always reflect the local context and history.
Conclusion
Street naming conventions can be complex and varied. While there are certain general guidelines, exceptions are common and can lead to interesting and unique street names. Understanding these conventions can help navigate the often confusing world of urban maps and signages.