How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?
Proposals to change the name of a feature within the United States and its territories may be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). However, proposals must include a compelling reason the feature’s name needs to be changed for federal use. Changing an existing name merely to correct or re-establish historical usage should not be a primary reason to change a name.
The BGN is responsible by law (43 USC Ch. 11A) for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and has developed policies governing issues such as commemorative naming, derogatory and offensive names, names in wilderness areas, long names, commercial names, and animal names. The BGN will consider proposals to change the names of officially named natural geographic features, unincorporated populated places, canals, channels, and reservoirs.
Please note that no feature can be named for or in reference to a living person. Any person or persons that a proposed name refers to 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. Any proposal for a name that refers to the name of a family must include at least one person who meets the criteria.
The primary naming principle is based on present day local usage and acceptance. When a proposal that meets the minimum requirements for consideration by the BGN is submitted, all interested parties will be invited to provide input. The Board on Geographic Names (BGN) will make its decision after receiving recommendations from Tribal, county, and local governments, the State Geographic Names Authorities and Advisors, and relevant land management agencies.
For guidance please read the Instructions for Geographic Names Proposal Submissions and refer to the Domestic Names Committee (DNC) Proposal Process Flowchart. There is no cost to submit a proposal and the length of time to complete the review process can vary from 6 months to over a year. For more information, contact BGNEXEC@usgs.gov.
Learn more: Guidance on Name Proposals
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What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)? What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), which maintains cooperative working relationships with State Names Authorities to standardize geographic names for Federal use. GNIS contains information about the official names for places, features, and areas in the 50 states, the...
How can I name an unnamed natural feature? How can I name an unnamed natural feature?
Proposals to name an unnamed feature within the United States and its territories may be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). However, proposals must include a compelling reason the feature needs to be named for federal use. The BGN is responsible by law ( 43 USC Ch. 11A) for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and has developed policies governing...
How do I report an error in the Geographic Names Information System database? How do I report an error in the Geographic Names Information System database?
Please report possible errors in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) database to the GNIS Manager at tnm_help@usgs.gov. The Names data experts will investigate and validate the data, enter appropriate corrections where needed, and advise you of the results. Learn more: Geographic Names FAQs
Does Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) include manmade and administrative features, such as churches, cemeteries, parks, schools, shopping centers, trails? Does Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) include manmade and administrative features, such as churches, cemeteries, parks, schools, shopping centers, trails?
No. GNIS does not include roads, highways, administrative, or cultural features, except for canals, channels, reservoirs, communities, civil divisions, and military features. In 2021 the following geographic features, referred to as “administrative” (cultural or man-made), were removed from GNIS: airport, bridge, building, cemetery, church, dam, forest, harbor, hospital, mine, oilfield, park, post...