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.

Samarkand is an ancient city and a crossroads of world cultures on the historic Silk Road. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, and its past as a center of trade, science, and learning is still evident today. The city is famous for its stunning Timurid architecture, including the majestic domes and blue-tiled facades of its madrasahs and mausoleums. Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors to its historic monuments and bustling bazaars. Its centerpiece, the Registan Square, is framed by three grand madrasahs and is often called a jewel of the Silk Road. Walking through its gardens, markets, and old quarters offers a memorable journey into Central Asian history. Its Registan square, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, is among the region's most famous sights.
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From Sogdian, meaning 'stone fort'. The demonym is 'Samarkandi'.
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 Samarkandis 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