15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.

Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and sits on the Pearl River near the center of the state. The city is named after Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, and it became the state capital in 1821. Jackson played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement, and the city's history of activism and civic struggle is a central part of its identity. Its cultural life reflects the deep roots of Mississippi's blues tradition, and the city is home to museums and institutions that tell the story of the state. Jackson is the seat of state government and a regional center for healthcare, education, and commerce. Visitors can explore the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Eudora Welty House, which honors the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer from the city.
Want to explore where Jacksonians live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Named after Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
From Montenegro to Naples, these 20 place names that were literally translated show how languages rebuild geography — and what the originals mean.
Want to explore where Jacksonians live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region