Here’s How The Cities of Idaho’s Treasure Valley Got Their Names

Names, for many of us, aren't just meaningless labels.

They're our ties to history, culture, where we're from, and our unique identities. Whether it's a person, place, or an animal, a name can carry significant meaning or have a fascinating story behind it.

For some, names reflect their pride in their family heritage, cultural traditions and customs, or even the hopes and dreams parents hold for their children's future.

For example, a girl named "Hope" might have been born during or after a challenging time and now embodies a beautiful sense of optimism and a fresh start to their family.

Did you know "Idaho" doesn't actually mean anything?

Places, can have pretty cool name origins, too. We'll talk more about it in the gallery below, but basically, Idaho was a made-up word pinned on the possibility that it might be a word related to the state's Shoshone Native American residents. Without a doubt, that's a blooper for the history books, folks!

The state of New York, for example, was initially named New Amsterdam by early Dutch settlers. It wasn't until the Brits took over that it was renamed to New York. Interesting, right?

Names don't have to mean something to someone or anything at all.

We suppose it's true that not all names have a unique or deep story behind them (sigh). Like Idaho, sometimes a name is just a name...or a giant mistake/historical mishap.

Have you ever wondered how the cities that make up Idaho's gorgeous Treasure Valley got their names? You might be surprised by the stories behind them in the gallery below.

Scroll for...

• The stories behind how Idaho's Treasure Valley cities got their names

• 9 Idaho cities with names that seriously haven't aged well

• 7 eerie & entertaining Idaho urban legends to share around the bonfire

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