How Philly Nabes Got Their Names
You could conceivably live your whole life in Philly and not delve to the bottom of all its history. Take, for instance, some of the curious names we have for Philly neighborhoods. Where did they come from? Do you know the origins behind Society Hill, or how Bella Vista got its name? If you’ve ever been curious, then the piece over at mentalfloss.com is for you! The following is an abridged list of Philly nabes with the explanations for where they came by their monikers.
BELLA VISTA: Philly’s own Little Italy came by the name that means “beautiful view” in the 1970s.
CHESTNUT HILL: The chestnut trees that named the area are now almost extinct. Sad, isn’t it?
CENTER CITY: We call our downtown “Center City” because we’re just awesome like that. It’s centrally located, too.
OLDE CITY: Olde City, also known occasionally as “Old City,” is known as one of America’s most historic square miles. Containing Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, the Liberty Bell, and many other famous buildings, it is all about that “olde” business.
GRADUATE HOSPITAL: This is the neighborhood in which University of Pennsylvania ran their Graduate School of Medicine, which was headquartered in a hospital. The hospital itself is gone, but the name endures.
NORTHERN LIBERTIES: Colonists who purchased land in Philly were granted free parcels of rural land to the north of the city, the so-called Northern Liberties. It’s not so rural anymore, obviously!
FISHTOWN: Did Charles Dickens personally name the area of town once known for shad fishing? It’s doubtful, but the legend lives on.
SOCIETY HILL: Named for the Free Society of Traders which was headquartered on the site that is now one of Philly’s nicest areas.
QUEEN VILLAGE: The Swedes settled this area and named it for the then-Queen of Sweden, Christina.
RITTENHOUSE SQUARE: Center City’s poshest square is named for David Rittenhouse, the scientist and mathematician who was also the first director of the U.S. Mint. Rittenhouse Square was once known simply as Southwest Square for its position on the grid system that makes up Center City’s layout.
