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Maryland Historical Trust

Maryland Geographic Names Authority

A historical color topographic map fragment of Frederick County, Maryland. Labeled locations include New London and New Market, with red contour lines indicating elevations of 500 feet.

The Maryland Geographic Names Authority is the official state group that works with local, state, and federal agencies on place names in Maryland. 

It helps make sure that the names of natural and man-made features are used consistently, following standards set by the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). 

The Authority reviews proposals to name or rename geographic features in Maryland and makes recommendations to the BGN, which makes the final decision. 

If you want to propose a new geographic name or a name change, you must submit your proposal to the BGN using their online form. 

Maryland geographic names proposal process 

  1. You submit your name proposal to the BGN.
  2. BGN staff review it and may contact you with questions or ask for more information.
  3. Local representatives and landowners are asked for their opinions.
  4. Federal agencies are asked for input, if the site involves federal land or interests.
  5. The Maryland Geographic Names Authority is asked for its opinion.
  6. The Authority meets with the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC) executive committee to discuss the proposal and get feedback from state representatives.
  7. The Authority decides what recommendation to send to the BGN.
  8. The BGN reviews the proposal and votes on the name.
  9. If the name is approved, it is entered into the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) for official use by federal, state, and local agencies. 

What is the... 

  • United States Board on Geographic Names? BGN is the federal body that standardizes geographic names across the U.S. government. It sets official names for natural and cultural features and establishes naming policies.
  • Maryland State Geographic Information Committee? MSGIC coordinates how Maryland agencies and organizations create and use GIS data. Members include representatives from government, academia, and private industry.
  • Geographic Names Information System? GNIS is the federal database of official place names, maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey. It includes current and historical names for natural and cultural features, along with their locations and basic descriptive information.