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.

Trenton is the capital of New Jersey and sits on the Delaware River between New York City and Philadelphia. The city is named after William Trent, a merchant who owned land in the area, and it became the state capital in 1784. Trenton holds an important place in the Revolutionary War, most notably for the Battle of Trenton in December 1776, when George Washington's troops crossed the icy Delaware River and won a decisive victory. The city's famous motto, 'Trenton Makes, The World Takes', once celebrated its manufacturing strength, especially in steel and pottery. Today Trenton is the seat of state government, and its historic sites and riverfront continue to draw visitors interested in the nation's founding. The Old Barracks Museum, a preserved 18th-century building, offers a glimpse into the era of the war.
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Named after William Trent, a prominent merchant who owned land in the area.
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.
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Want to explore where Trentonians 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