Every name has a story.
Take "California" for example. The name comes from a best-selling romance novel written in 1510 called “Las Sergas de Esplandián” or "The Deeds of Esplandián."
In the book, the author describes California as a remote island full of gold and precious stones. The island was protected by beautiful black warrior women who lived like the Amazons and served their ruler, Queen Calafia. The novel was so popular that when Spanish explorers arrived, they named their discovery after the mythical island of California.
Hit the listen button above to hear our Bay Curious episode on Bay Area place names, or visit our online resource and interactive map of 75 Bay Area place names.
