How strange Columbus streets got their names
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Apparently, lots of our readers wonder "How did that name happen?" while traveling Central Ohio streets. So we tracked down some answers.
Why it matters: Street names not only pique our curiosity but also shape a neighborhood's character, reflect local history and can even affect property values.
How it works: Eye-catching streets pop up often in new housing developments. Developers submit the names, which local governments review and approve, Andy Beard, Columbus' chief plans official, tells Axios.
- "Courts" must be dead ends, but otherwise "there is no set standard for what is a street, drive, road, avenue, place, circle, etc.," for modern roads, he says.
- Historically, the city's numbered street grid had "streets" run north to south and "avenues" east to west.
Zoom in: Many area developments are themed, some arbitrarily, some thoughtfully.
- A Hilliard subdivision's Italian fruit and vegetable street names came from the Sugar family that sold the land.
- It honors their Sicilian heritage, PulteGroup's Columbus division president Jim Marcero tells us. (Broccoli Drive, which reader Christa J. pointed out, is actually a nod to the Sicilian word for "cauliflower.")
- Meanwhile, the Mojo Dojo Casa House from the "Barbie" movie would fit perfectly in this Ken-centric neighborhood off Kenny Road reader Grace A. sent us.
Flashback: Many streets in Columbus' oldest areas were named after prominent land owners and public figures, like the Kenny family.
- Mooberry Street near Nationwide Children's Hospital recognizes William Mooberry, a Revolutionary War soldier.
- There was also a notable Godown family, which we suspect is the popular road's namesake.
Plus: Other roads reflect geography, such as Three Bs and K Road, at the convergence of Berkshire, Berlin, Brown and Kingston townships in Delaware County.
- Yes, but: Like reader Danae K., we can't decide if combining two river names to make "Sciotangy Drive" in Upper Arlington is clever or cringey.
Fun fact: German Village's streets and landmarks used to be more German — Schiller Park was Von Schiller, for example — but they were Anglicized after World War I, Beard says.
The intrigue: The Powell Historical Society has no explanation for a reader favorite, Seldom Seen Road, and has tried to track down an origin for years, city spokesperson Anna Subler tells us.
- Rutherford Road, north of it, was once called Never Seen Road, she notes.
More of your favorite streets
🥞 Rob. N: My wife and I live on Johnnycake Court in Galena. When we moved here five years ago, three of my friends sent me recipes for johnnycakes (which I never made).
⚾ Gretchen B.: I used to live on Fenway Road in Clintonville. My hubby was a huge Red Sox fan.
🇺🇸 Jane H.: To get to the parking lot for the Ohio Wesleyan University natatorium from Route 23 north, you take the ninth president of the United States: left on William Street, left on Henry Street, right on Harrison Street!
👟 Lisa R.: I'm always tickled by the area of Hilliard with shoe brand names: Nike Drive, Saucony Drive, Reebok Drive, Converse Court.
- Tyler is too! Apparently, it was just "just their theme," a former county engineer says.
🐶 Dania H.: There's a Baskerville Drive off McNaughten Road on the East Side that's always made me want to hang a stuffed dog over it and get a picture of the hound. 🙂
🤯 Alissa's thought bubble: I'm shocked to see there's also an Alissa Lane off McNaughten — I never find my name on anything!
- I'll be making a pilgrimage this week.
📬 Email [email protected] if you'd like to add names to our list.