How can I name an unnamed natural feature?
Proposals to name an unnamed natural feature can be submitted to the Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government, and promulgates policies governing issues such as commemorative naming, derogatory names, and names in wilderness areas.
Please note that no natural feature (and certain manmade features) can be named for a living person. A potential honoree must have been deceased for at least five years and must have had either a direct and long-term association with the feature or must have made notable civic contributions.
Generally, the most important policy regarding names is local use and acceptance. Upon receipt of a proposal, all interested parties will be asked to comment. The BGN makes decisions only after receiving recommendations from the local government, county government, the State Names Authority, and appropriate land management agencies. Only name proposals for natural features will be accepted.
Submit new name proposals by printing and completing the Domestic Geographic Names form and mailing it to:
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive MS 523
Reston, VA 20192-0523
Please read the Principles, Policies, and Procedures before submitting a proposal. An information packet and forms can be mailed upon request. The entire process is free of charge, but will take approximately six months.
For more information, send an email to BGNEXEC@usgs.gov.
Related Content
Does the Geographic Names Information System Database contain entries for obsolete names and historical geographic features that no longer exist?
How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?
I think I found an error in the Geographic Names Information System Database. How do I report it?
How can I acquire or download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?
What is the most common city/town name in the United States?
What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?
Mapping traditional place names along the Koyukuk River: Koyukuk, Huslia, and Hughes, Western Interior Alaska
Koyukon Athabascan peoples have settled along the Koyukuk River in Western Interior Alaska for thousands of years using the surrounding landscape for subsistence and cultural resources. However, recent changes in climate, technology, resource availability, and way of life have affected land-use patterns in the region, as well as use of the Denaakk...
McCloskey, Sarah E.; Jones, Benjamin M.
Using maps in genealogy
In genealogical research, maps can provide clues to where our ancestors may have lived and where to look for written records about them. Beginners should master basic genealogical research techniques before starting to use topographic maps.
Commemorative naming in the United States
Naming is a basic human tendency; it allows us to perceive the distinct identities of people and places and conveys those characteristics that make them unique. The name of a geographic feature can describe spectacular physical attributes (such as the Grand Canyon or Half Dome in Yosemite National Park), indicate cultural or historical...
New names at Newberry drawn from CalVO geologist's mapping
In June 2019, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved twenty-five new formal geographic names at Newberry Volcano in central Oregon. The names were proposed by Julie Donnelly-Nolan, a Research Geologist with the Volcano Science Center of the USGS in Menlo Park, CA.
Highest Point East of Rockies Gets New Name
Black Elk Peak replaces Harney Peak in federal records
Old Name Officially Returns to Nation's Highest Peak
The story of America is told by the names on the land. When you hear names like Kentucky and Kennesaw, Klamath and Kodiak, your mind immediately starts to turn over all manner of associated thoughts of what you may have experienced or learned or even what you may imagine about that place.
The National Map and National Atlas Merge
During this year, National Atlas of the United States and The National Map will transition into a combined single source for geospatial and cartographic information. This transformation is projected to streamline access to maps, data and information from the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP).
Dellenbaugh Butte along Green River
| At about Mile 102 you can see Dellenbaugh Butte, which is also known as The Anvil, or Inkwell Butte. Powell camped here July 14, 1869. The majority of the butte is composed of the Summerville Formation. |
New Monitoring Tools at Mount Rainier Have Roots in HVO's History
Mount Rainier, Washington, as seen on flight to Mount St. Helens. View is from the south. USGS Photograph taken on December 28, 2004, by Jim Vallance and Stephanie Konfal.
Waterfall and hanging gardens in Grand Canyon
Waterfall and hanging gardens in Grand CanyonWaterfall and hanging gardens in Grand Canyon
Mount Shasta looming over the town of Weed in the evening.
Mount Shasta looming over the town of Weed in the evening.
Chaco Culture - landscape near Fajada Butte
Late winter snow covers the landscape near Fajada Butte at Chaco Canyon.
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah
This view is of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah. Most of the arches and famous landscape features in the park occur in the Entrada Sandstone.
Delicate Arch
The world-famous Delicate Arch was formed by the movement of underground salt beds beneath overlying sandstone, in concert with surface events including water, ice, and erosion, which washed away or broke off the sandstone to create the arches and fins found throughout Arches National Park.
Location of the Lamb Spring Site, south of Denver, Colorado
Detail of quadrangle map showing the location of the Lamb Spring Site south of Denver, Colorado
Tonkin Spring near Eureka, Nevada
Tonkin Spring near Eureka, Nevada.