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.
Santa Fean
/ˈsæntə ˈfiən/

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded by Spanish colonists in 1610. Its name means 'Holy Faith' in Spanish, a reference to the faith that guided the city's early settlers. Santa Fe sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at roughly 7,199 feet, and its adobe buildings and Pueblo-style architecture give it a distinctive look. The city is a major center for art, with galleries and studios that draw painters, sculptors, and collectors from around the world. Its culture reflects centuries of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions, visible in its festivals, cuisine, and historic plaza. The city's Canyon Road is famous for its galleries, and the Palace of the Governors, one of the oldest public buildings in the United States, anchors the historic plaza.
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Spanish for 'Holy Faith', named by Spanish colonists in honor of the Virgin Mary.
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Want to explore where Santa Feans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region