Influence of Spanish in the USA

Influence of Spanish in the USA

Spanish Names in California

Did you know that the state of California was a Spanish Colony for over 200 years? Due to the Spanish influence, many cities and towns have Spanish names. A lot of towns were named after male and female saints. For example San Francisco is Saint Francis in English and Santa Monica is Saint Monica. San Diego, Santa Rosa and San Jose are other large cities named after saints.

Many other smaller cities and names are also of Spanish origin and can serve as fun vocabulary aids. Do you know the meanings of these California cities? Answers below.

California

1. Arroyo Grande
2. Atascadero
3. Buena Vista
4. Corona
5. El Cajon
6. El Nido
7. El Segundo
8. Escondido
9. Fresno
10. Los Angeles
11. Los Banos
12. Los Gatos
13. Los Osos
14. Madera
15. Manteca
16. Mariposa
17. Modesto
18. Palo Alto
19. Sacramento
20. Salinas
21. Tiburon
22. Vacaville

1. Large creek (often just a dry gully)
2. Mud hole
3. The good view
4. Crown
5. The big box
6. The nest
7. The second
8. Hidden
9. Ash tree
10. The angels
11. The baths
12. The cats
13. The bears
14. Wood
15. Lard, fat or butter
16. Butterfly
17. Modest
18. Tall tree (or stick)
19. Sacrament
20. Salt ponds
21. Shark
22. Cow town

Do you have any names of Spanish origin where you live?