Why Some Street Names Sound So Unusual
Many people walk through streets every day without thinking about the stories behind their names. For social media users, content creators, and business owners trying to build their brand, learning the history of these names can be surprisingly engaging. In Singapore, this curiosity continues to grow, thanks to its vibrant history and the wide mix of cultures that shape the city-state.
Naming Streets Through History
During the early years of urban planning, many street names were assigned by colonial rulers or local governments based on their own interests. In Singapore, British influence is still visible. Cornwall Road, for instance, takes its name from a region in England. At the time, colonial officials often used such names to express origin and control. The same pattern appeared in India and other former colonies.
Beyond colonial roots, names were often used to honor people or events. In London, Nelson’s Column Road remembers Admiral Nelson. Paris has Rue Victor Hugo, named after the famous writer. In Singapore, MacKenzie Road serves as a tribute to a former governor. Changing a street’s name is like updating a historical record—it reflects memory and power.
Some streets originally had only numerical or coded names. “Street 11” in old city plans later gained more meaningful names as the population grew. In New York, what used to be Avenue A in the East Village is now part of Alphabet City. Moving from numbers or letters to full names often shows growth and community identity.
In cities like Mumbai and Hong Kong, names were sometimes based on nearby infrastructure. Kowloon’s “Railway Road” tells people there’s a station nearby. “Canal Road” in Singapore is similar—it points to a former waterway. These functional names help people find key locations quickly and easily.
Language and Culture in Naming
Language plays a key role in how streets get their names. Singapore blends several languages: Malay, Chinese, Indian dialects, and English. This leads to streets like Jalan Besar (Malay for “Big Road”) and Orchard Road (named after fruit orchards in the 19th century). The combination of local and foreign words makes the names stand out to visitors and businesses alike.
In Madrid, Calle de la Cava Baja refers to an ancient trench near a castle wall—“cava” means a carved hollow. In Berlin, Kurfürstendamm reflects the historical rulers tied to the church. Singapore’s Haji Lane, named after Muslim pilgrims returning from Mecca, follows the same cultural logic. These names are more than just words—they carry stories.
Across different regions, translations and mispronunciations sometimes lead to distinct results. Tokyo’s “Ginza” comes from a word meaning silver mint. Singapore has neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India, directly referring to the cultures living there. At times, spelling errors add to the uniqueness. “Tanjong Pagar,” from the Malay for “cape of stakes,” becomes something slightly different in English.
Language helps shape a sense of identity. Residents and entrepreneurs often benefit from names that draw attention. “Club Street,” for example, sounds trendy and has become known for its nightlife. “South Bridge Road” reminds people of the historical bridge that connected merchants and customers.
Notable Examples in Singapore and Abroad
Singapore has many well-known streets with interesting names:
Haji Lane – Known for its arts and fashion scene.
Kampong Glam Road – Reflects an old Malay village.
Keong Saik Road – Once a red-light district, now an arts area.
Rochor Canal Road – Named after an old canal landmark.
Tiong Bahru – Derived from Hokkien, meaning “new cemetery near a stream.”
In New York, Wall Street is named after an early wall built by Dutch settlers. Duffy’s Hill in Brooklyn honors a family that once owned land there. London’s Piccadilly Circus is linked to a type of collar designed by Robert Baker. Paris’s Rue de l’Échelle, meaning “ladder street,” got its name from a stone staircase.
Seoul’s Expressway 1 later became the Gyeongbu Expressway after a national discovery. Tokyo’s Ochanomizu means “tea water,” pointing to a hot spring. In Sydney, George Street was named for King George III and remains the city’s longest street.
Amsterdam has Prinsengracht, a canal leading to the royal docks. In Barcelona, La Rambla comes from the Arabic “raml,” or sand, as the area once had sandy terrain. In Singapore, heritage conservation has gained more attention, with the government being careful about name changes. Historical memory is preserved in signs and engravings along these roads.
How Street Names Are Decided
Urban development often uses several approaches when choosing street names:
Honoring Notable Figures
Many streets are named to recognize contributions. In Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Road honors a well-known philanthropist from the past.
Reflecting Local Geography
Names often point to physical features. “Hillview Avenue” and “River Valley Road” describe nearby landscapes.
Preserving Cultural Memory
Some names use local Malay or Chinese terms, such as Jalan Besar or Bukit Timah Road.
Borrowing from Foreign Places
There are examples like London Road or Oxford Street in Kolkata. In Singapore, “Upper Serangoon Road” resembles the name of a nearby river.
Street Names and Their Effect on Society
Unusual names spark interest. They can become topics for blogs, video content, or tourist maps. In Singapore, areas like Haji Lane and Tiong Bahru are now stops on walking tours. Murals and photography walks often highlight these locations. A memorable name boosts visibility on social media.
Street names also carry historical information. Seeing “Rochor Canal Road” can prompt a guide to explain waterway management in early Singapore. Tourists learn about city planning, while businesses can build brands linked to well-known roads. A café called “Club Street Social” or a store like “Arab Street Souvenir” uses that familiarity.
Challenges in Modern Street Naming
As cities grow fast, older names sometimes get replaced. In Tokyo, one project led to 30 names being changed. Singapore now uses public feedback before finalizing changes. This helps ensure the voice of the community isn’t lost. Preserving old customs and languages remains part of the decision process.
Technology plays a part in avoiding mistakes. With editable digital maps, local governments can check if a new name already exists elsewhere. This reduces duplication and supports better emergency response or navigation.
While interest once faded, the rise of social media brought fresh attention. People now enjoy sharing trivia and joining local history walks. It has reignited curiosity around everyday places.
Over time, city landscapes shift. But the names on street signs still reflect stories from the past, the present, and even future ambitions. Each one is a marker of identity that connects generations.
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