## Breadcrumb

-  U.S. Board on Geographic Names 

#           Domestic Names      

      By U.S. Board on Geographic Names

## NEW Downloadable GNIS Data

### Updated domestic names data products in additional formats are now available for download.

Learn How To Access Downloadable Data

## GNIS Domestic Names Search Application Training Video

### Learn tips and tricks when looking for geographic names in GNIS.

Watch Now

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Place names within the United States and its dependent areas are available in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and are the responsibility of the Domestic Names Committee (DNC) of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN).

### BGN Domestic Names Committee Resources

                        - Principles, Policies, and Procedures
                        - Guidance on Name Proposals
                        - Quarterly DNC Review Lists
                        - Domestic Names Committee Meeting Agenda
                        - Monthly DNC Meeting Minutes

Propose New Name or Name Change

### Geographic Names Information System

Search Domestic Names

### Names Data Access

                        - What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)?
                        - Domestic Names Search User Guide
                        - Download Domestic Names Data Using The National Map
                        - Direct Link to All Names Data Products

About GNIS Data Downloads

###### ***Important Update***

*In accordance with Secretary’s Order 3404 the BGN has approved replacement names for all official features that included the word “Sq___” in their name. The **Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)** has been updated to reflect these changes. More information is available in the **Derogatory Geographic Names FAQs**. *

*Interior Department Completes Removal of “Sq___” from Federal Use | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov)** *

*Interior Department Completes Vote to Remove Derogatory Names from Five Locations *

 

### What is the Domestic Names Committee?

The Domestic Names Committee (DNC) of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) is responsible for standardizing the names of places, features, and areas within the United States and its dependent areas. The DNC consists of members and deputies representing the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, Agriculture, Defense, and Homeland Security, as well as the United States Postal Service, Government Publishing Office, and Library of Congress. The Executive Secretary and staff support for BGN’s domestic names activities and the maintenance of names of Antarctic features are provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The DNC meets monthly to decide on geographic names issues. For more details see the DNC’s Principles, Policies, and Procedures. 

 

### Domestic Names in the Geographic Names Information System 

View Media Details

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is the Federal and national standard for geographic names. The U.S. Geological Survey's National Geospatial Program developed the GNIS in support of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and to serve as the official repository of domestic geographic names data. GNIS serves as the official geographic names source for all Federal departments and Federal digital and printed products. 

 

##### Find Domestic Names in the GNIS 

Using the GNIS Domestic Names Search Application, users can search for names in the database, view the location(s) on various base maps, and link to a more detailed summary page.  The search results can be downloaded.  Help documentation is available with the application.  

 

##### Download Domestic Names 

Domestic Names in GNIS are available for direct download from The National Map Staged Products Directory. For more information, go to the Download GNIS Data page. These files are updated every other month. 

 

##### What is in GNIS?

The GNIS contains current and historical information about physical geographic features in the United States, its dependent areas, and Antarctica. The database contains the federally recognized name of each feature and defines its location by State, county, USGS topographic map, and geographic coordinates. GNIS also lists variant names, which are non-official names by which a feature is or was known. Other attributes include unique Feature ID and feature class. Feature classes under the purview of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names include natural features, unincorporated populated places, canals, channels, reservoirs, and more. Also within GNIS are civil, census, and military features that are maintained via an agreement between the Census Bureau and USGS. Click here for a full list of domestic names feature classes. Go to What is the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)? for more information. 

 

##### What is *not*in GNIS?

GNIS does not include roads, highways, administrative, or cultural 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 office, reserve, school, tower, trail, tunnel, and well. Some administrative feature data are maintained in other The National Map data themes. See The National Map Supporting Themes page for information on transportation, structures, boundaries, and more.

 

### Contacts 

If you have questions about the DNC, please contact BGNExec@usgs.gov. 

If you have questions about GNIS, please contact TNM_Help@usgs.gov. 

For information on how to submit a proposal to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for a new name or name change, please see How Do I? 

 

## Related Content

                  -                FAQ             

link

####                 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...

link

####   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...

Learn More

link

####                 How can I acquire or download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?              

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data is available for download via the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names website . You can also download names using a query in Search Domestic Names . GNIS includes official names, their location attributes, variant names, and other data, which can be displayed, printed, and downloaded (in csv format) up to a maximum of 2,000 records. GNIS data can also be...

link

####   How can I acquire or download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data is available for download via the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names website . You can also download names using a query in Search Domestic Names . GNIS includes official names, their location attributes, variant names, and other data, which can be displayed, printed, and downloaded (in csv format) up to a maximum of 2,000 records. GNIS data can also be...

Learn More

link

####                 How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?              

Federal, tribal, state, local, and non-governmental data partners continuously submit new features and edits to existing features in the  Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Additions and changes are validated by the staff and made available on the Search Domestic Names application. The downloadable files are revised bi-monthly and available via  The National Map Downloader . and the GNIS...

link

####   How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?

Federal, tribal, state, local, and non-governmental data partners continuously submit new features and edits to existing features in the  Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Additions and changes are validated by the staff and made available on the Search Domestic Names application. The downloadable files are revised bi-monthly and available via  The National Map Downloader . and the GNIS...

Learn More

link

####                 Why are there no entries for caves in the Geographic Names Information System database?              

Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) does include caves but the entries are not publicly available. In response to the 1988 National Cave Management Resources Act, Department of the Interior Regulation 43 (CFR Subtitle A, Part 37) forbids the release of information regarding the location of all caves on Federal lands. Currently, GNIS does not distinguish between features on Federal versus...

link

####   Why are there no entries for caves in the Geographic Names Information System database?

Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) does include caves but the entries are not publicly available. In response to the 1988 National Cave Management Resources Act, Department of the Interior Regulation 43 (CFR Subtitle A, Part 37) forbids the release of information regarding the location of all caves on Federal lands. Currently, GNIS does not distinguish between features on Federal versus...

Learn More

link

####                 Why are there no ZIP Codes in the Geographic Names Information System database?              

The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) contains named communities, both incorporated and unincorporated, but these communities do not necessarily correspond to ZIP Code areas. ZIP Codes are developed and maintained by the U.S. Postal Service solely for the purpose of delivering mail. It is not within the mission, purpose, or resources of the GNIS to maintain ZIP Code information. You can...

link

####   Why are there no ZIP Codes in the Geographic Names Information System database?

The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) contains named communities, both incorporated and unincorporated, but these communities do not necessarily correspond to ZIP Code areas. ZIP Codes are developed and maintained by the U.S. Postal Service solely for the purpose of delivering mail. It is not within the mission, purpose, or resources of the GNIS to maintain ZIP Code information. You can...

Learn More

link

####                 Does the Geographic Names Information System database contain entries for obsolete names and geographic features that no longer exist?              

Yes, the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) includes features that no longer exist and names that are no longer used. If a feature no longer exists on the landscape, or the name has fallen out of use, the entry is marked “historical”. The designation “historical” has no reference to age, size, condition, extent of habitation, type of use, or any other factor. Examples of historical...

link

####   Does the Geographic Names Information System database contain entries for obsolete names and geographic features that no longer exist?

Yes, the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) includes features that no longer exist and names that are no longer used. If a feature no longer exists on the landscape, or the name has fallen out of use, the entry is marked “historical”. The designation “historical” has no reference to age, size, condition, extent of habitation, type of use, or any other factor. Examples of historical...

Learn More

link

####                 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

link

####   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

Learn More

link

####                 How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?              

Proposals to change the name of a natural feature should be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). There must, however, be a compelling reason to change it. The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and discourages name changes unless there is a compelling reason. Further, changing an existing name merely to correct or re...

link

####   How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?

Proposals to change the name of a natural feature should be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). There must, however, be a compelling reason to change it. The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and discourages name changes unless there is a compelling reason. Further, changing an existing name merely to correct or re...

Learn More

link

####                 How can I name an unnamed natural feature?              

Proposals to name an unnamed natural feature can be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names  (BGN). The BGN is responsible by law 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. Please note...

link

####   How can I name an unnamed natural feature?

Proposals to name an unnamed natural feature can be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names  (BGN). The BGN is responsible by law 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. Please note...

Learn More

link

####                 What is the difference between "mountain", "hill", and "peak"; "lake" and "pond"; or "river" and "creek?"              

There are no official definitions for generic terms as applied to geographic features. The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) utilizes 43 broad categories of feature classes defined solely to facilitate retrieval of entries with similar characteristics. Go to GNIS Domestic Names Feature Classes to see the full list. These categories generally match dictionary definitions, but not always...

link

####   What is the difference between "mountain", "hill", and "peak"; "lake" and "pond"; or "river" and "creek?"

There are no official definitions for generic terms as applied to geographic features. The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) utilizes 43 broad categories of feature classes defined solely to facilitate retrieval of entries with similar characteristics. Go to GNIS Domestic Names Feature Classes to see the full list. These categories generally match dictionary definitions, but not always...

Learn More

link

####                 What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?              

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...

link

####   What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...

Learn More

link

####                 What constitutes the United States? What are the official definitions?              

Geographically (and as a general reference), the United States of America includes all areas considered to be under the sovereignty of the United States, but does not include leased areas. On May 14, 1959, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names issued the following definitions, which defined the Continental United States as "the 49 States on the North American Continent and the District of Columbia...

link

####   What constitutes the United States? What are the official definitions?

Geographically (and as a general reference), the United States of America includes all areas considered to be under the sovereignty of the United States, but does not include leased areas. On May 14, 1959, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names issued the following definitions, which defined the Continental United States as "the 49 States on the North American Continent and the District of Columbia...

Learn More

## Related Content

link

####                 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...

link

####   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...

Learn More

link

####                 How can I acquire or download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?              

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data is available for download via the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names website . You can also download names using a query in Search Domestic Names . GNIS includes official names, their location attributes, variant names, and other data, which can be displayed, printed, and downloaded (in csv format) up to a maximum of 2,000 records. GNIS data can also be...

link

####   How can I acquire or download Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data?

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) data is available for download via the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names website . You can also download names using a query in Search Domestic Names . GNIS includes official names, their location attributes, variant names, and other data, which can be displayed, printed, and downloaded (in csv format) up to a maximum of 2,000 records. GNIS data can also be...

Learn More

link

####                 How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?              

Federal, tribal, state, local, and non-governmental data partners continuously submit new features and edits to existing features in the  Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Additions and changes are validated by the staff and made available on the Search Domestic Names application. The downloadable files are revised bi-monthly and available via  The National Map Downloader . and the GNIS...

link

####   How often is the Geographic Names Information System database updated?

Federal, tribal, state, local, and non-governmental data partners continuously submit new features and edits to existing features in the  Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Additions and changes are validated by the staff and made available on the Search Domestic Names application. The downloadable files are revised bi-monthly and available via  The National Map Downloader . and the GNIS...

Learn More

link

####                 Why are there no entries for caves in the Geographic Names Information System database?              

Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) does include caves but the entries are not publicly available. In response to the 1988 National Cave Management Resources Act, Department of the Interior Regulation 43 (CFR Subtitle A, Part 37) forbids the release of information regarding the location of all caves on Federal lands. Currently, GNIS does not distinguish between features on Federal versus...

link

####   Why are there no entries for caves in the Geographic Names Information System database?

Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) does include caves but the entries are not publicly available. In response to the 1988 National Cave Management Resources Act, Department of the Interior Regulation 43 (CFR Subtitle A, Part 37) forbids the release of information regarding the location of all caves on Federal lands. Currently, GNIS does not distinguish between features on Federal versus...

Learn More

link

####                 Why are there no ZIP Codes in the Geographic Names Information System database?              

The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) contains named communities, both incorporated and unincorporated, but these communities do not necessarily correspond to ZIP Code areas. ZIP Codes are developed and maintained by the U.S. Postal Service solely for the purpose of delivering mail. It is not within the mission, purpose, or resources of the GNIS to maintain ZIP Code information. You can...

link

####   Why are there no ZIP Codes in the Geographic Names Information System database?

The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) contains named communities, both incorporated and unincorporated, but these communities do not necessarily correspond to ZIP Code areas. ZIP Codes are developed and maintained by the U.S. Postal Service solely for the purpose of delivering mail. It is not within the mission, purpose, or resources of the GNIS to maintain ZIP Code information. You can...

Learn More

link

####                 Does the Geographic Names Information System database contain entries for obsolete names and geographic features that no longer exist?              

Yes, the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) includes features that no longer exist and names that are no longer used. If a feature no longer exists on the landscape, or the name has fallen out of use, the entry is marked “historical”. The designation “historical” has no reference to age, size, condition, extent of habitation, type of use, or any other factor. Examples of historical...

link

####   Does the Geographic Names Information System database contain entries for obsolete names and geographic features that no longer exist?

Yes, the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) includes features that no longer exist and names that are no longer used. If a feature no longer exists on the landscape, or the name has fallen out of use, the entry is marked “historical”. The designation “historical” has no reference to age, size, condition, extent of habitation, type of use, or any other factor. Examples of historical...

Learn More

link

####                 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

link

####   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

Learn More

link

####                 How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?              

Proposals to change the name of a natural feature should be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). There must, however, be a compelling reason to change it. The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and discourages name changes unless there is a compelling reason. Further, changing an existing name merely to correct or re...

link

####   How can I propose a name change for a natural feature?

Proposals to change the name of a natural feature should be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). There must, however, be a compelling reason to change it. The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government and discourages name changes unless there is a compelling reason. Further, changing an existing name merely to correct or re...

Learn More

link

####                 How can I name an unnamed natural feature?              

Proposals to name an unnamed natural feature can be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names  (BGN). The BGN is responsible by law 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. Please note...

link

####   How can I name an unnamed natural feature?

Proposals to name an unnamed natural feature can be submitted to the  U.S. Board on Geographic Names  (BGN). The BGN is responsible by law 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. Please note...

Learn More

link

####                 What is the difference between "mountain", "hill", and "peak"; "lake" and "pond"; or "river" and "creek?"              

There are no official definitions for generic terms as applied to geographic features. The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) utilizes 43 broad categories of feature classes defined solely to facilitate retrieval of entries with similar characteristics. Go to GNIS Domestic Names Feature Classes to see the full list. These categories generally match dictionary definitions, but not always...

link

####   What is the difference between "mountain", "hill", and "peak"; "lake" and "pond"; or "river" and "creek?"

There are no official definitions for generic terms as applied to geographic features. The  Geographic Names Information System  (GNIS) utilizes 43 broad categories of feature classes defined solely to facilitate retrieval of entries with similar characteristics. Go to GNIS Domestic Names Feature Classes to see the full list. These categories generally match dictionary definitions, but not always...

Learn More

link

####                 What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?              

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...

link

####   What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...

Learn More

link

####                 What constitutes the United States? What are the official definitions?              

Geographically (and as a general reference), the United States of America includes all areas considered to be under the sovereignty of the United States, but does not include leased areas. On May 14, 1959, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names issued the following definitions, which defined the Continental United States as "the 49 States on the North American Continent and the District of Columbia...

link

####   What constitutes the United States? What are the official definitions?

Geographically (and as a general reference), the United States of America includes all areas considered to be under the sovereignty of the United States, but does not include leased areas. On May 14, 1959, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names issued the following definitions, which defined the Continental United States as "the 49 States on the North American Continent and the District of Columbia...

Learn More