Place Names Across the Pacific Northwest

A searchable database of official map names, everyday local names, historical titles, and Indigenous place names.


Place names search:


Where the Information Comes From

  • United States: Official names come from the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN).
  • British Columbia: Official names come from the BC Geographical Names Office (BCGNO), standardized with help from Statistics Canada.

Our goal is simple: give researchers, students, and curious explorers a single home to discover the rich history of Pacific Northwest places. We are constantly expanding the collection as new historical and Indigenous names are documented.

(Official government records are refreshed regularly; the next major update is set for spring 2027.)

Database at a Glance

  • 180,270 total place names (past and present)
  • 145,431 unique geographic features:
    • 49,000+ in Oregon
    • 38,000+ in British Columbia
    • 29,000+ in Washington State
    • 27,000+ in Idaho

 

Political Boundaries

 

Recently Updated Geographic Features

Records are being updated and added on a periodic basis. See the listing below containing the most recent updates that have been added to the enclopedia.