Did you know that these well-known international cities once went by a different name? Well, if you didn't, now you know. We came up with this list of 10 cities that went under a name change for some interesting reasons. Read on to learn more!!

1. 10 International
Cities
That Changed their name

2. Toronto
Formerly called York

3. • Formerly called York, Toronto is the largest city in Canada by
population. It’s the land for a dynamic mix of tourist attractions,
from museums and galleries to the world-famous CN Tower. And
the cascading Niagara Falls is the inevitable charm.
• The city was established by the British in 1793. It was the “Battle
of York” site in 1812, and the town suffered tremendous damage
caused by U.S troops. In 1834, the city was retitled and integrated
as the city of Toronto, becoming the official capital city of the
province of Ontario when it was created in 1867.

4. Melbourne
Formerly called Batmania

5. • Melbourne is the capital and most populous city of Victoria. The
vibrant city with Royal Botanic Gardens, a serene patch of land to
escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the oldest public art
gallery, and not to miss Federation Square holds the charm of this
multicultural destination.
• The city holds pathways to many historical conquests. British colonist
and Tasmanian farmer John Batman arrived in the urban Melbourne
area in 1835 to hire the land that would eventually become
Melbourne from its native holders, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin
nation. This occupation of Wurundjeri land emerged in a colony
temporarily named Batmania before it was declared a city by Queen
Victoria in 1837 and officially named ‘Melbourne.’

6. Dhaka
Formerly called Jahangirnagar

7. • Dhaka held great importance in the pre-Mughal period. It is famous for
its rich art and cultural heritage. From Lalbagh Fort to Ahsan Manzil,
from Dhakeshwari Temple to the Fantasy Kingdom, the rich
architectural history reflecting ancient traditions will surely make you
amazed.
• The city got its name when Islam Khan Chishti transferred the capital of
Subah Bangalah from Rajmahal to Dhaka in 1610 and retitled it
Jahangirnagar after the name of the emperor. Jahangirnagar was used in
official circles, but Dhaka was well-liked by the general public name.

8. Istanbul
Formerly called Constantinople

9. • Istanbul is the most populated city in Turkey. It is transcontinental and
is located in the strait that separates Asia and Europe. For all the weary
travelers, now is the time to seek pleasure and enjoy the Day Cruise.
The city is filled with numerous historic sites, and creations precisely
made –Emirgan Park, Miniaturk, museums, etc.
• Istanbul was known as Constantinople, meaning the City of
Constantine, after the Roman empire ruler in 330 CE. Much folklore
narrates the origin of the name, which claims the title Istanbul (i.e., City
of Islam) originated from the vast population of Muslims living there.

10. Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly called Saigon

11. It is the most populous city in Vietnam. The town used to be called
Saigon before 2nd July 1976. After Saigon merged with the
neighboring Gia Dinh Province, its name changed. It later became
the capital city of South Vietnam, an independent republic from
1955 to 1975. It was officially entitled Ho Chi Minh after a
deceased communist leader who went by the same name.

12. Paris
formerly called Lutetia

13. • The beautiful city of love is always on top, finding its name as the most
romantic city globally. Paris has beautiful sights and is home to the
Louvre Museum, Notre Dame cathedral, and the Eiffel tower. The city
is an inspiration for filmmakers, writers, artists, and romantics!
• Paris was conquered by Julius Caesar in 52 BC and existed as a
regional center under the Romans and in the early Middle Ages. The
Romans called Paris Lutetia. A Celtic tribe called the Parisi built a
settlement that marks the origin of the city of Paris.

14. Tokyo
Formerly called Edo

15. • The top attractions of Tokyo include museums, diverse festivals,
internationally noted cuisine, and professional sports clubs, including
baseball, football, and traditional Japanese pursuits like sumo wrestling.
Sensoji Temple is a tremendously popular destination for visitors.
Hamarikyu Gardens, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Tokyo
Tower, etc., adore the beautiful place.
• The deposing of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the restoration of Imperial
rule in 1868 led to Japan's rapid modernization and Westernization. Edo
had been the administrative center of the Shogun, which was renamed
Tokyo by the young Emperor Meiji. The city became Japan's new national
and imperial capital.

16. Karachi
formerly called Kolachi

17. • Karachi is a natural beauty compared to none. It is also an incredible
place to catch a glimpse of the colorful Sindhi culture.
• The city got renamed in 1729 as the settlement of Kolachi-jo-Goth
during the rule of the Kalhora dynasty. The new colony has been
named in honor of Mai Kolachi. The name Karachi, a shortened and
corrupted version of the original name Kolachi-jo-Goth, was used for
the first time in a Dutch report from 1742 about a shipwreck near the
settlement.

18. Valenzuela
Formerly called Polo

19. • Home to the pretty treasures, the city's spirit will not let you miss
your home. Quiapo Church, Manila Bay, Rizal Park, and Fort
Bonifacio are some of the main tourist attractions.
• Valenzuela was named after Pío Valenzuela, a physician and a
member of the Katipunan, a secret society founded against the
colonial government of Spain. The city was indigenously known as
Polo, initially formed in 1621 after separation from Meycauayan,
Bulacan.

20. Singapore
formerly called Temasek

21. • Singapore was previously known as Temasek. The name changed to
Singapura perhaps towards the end of the 14th century. It got renamed in
1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a trading post of the British Empire. In
1867, the colonies in Southeast Asia, wherein Singapore, came under the
direct control of Britain.
• Do you already have parallel windows to check out your next vacation
destination? Oh yes, that happened to us too. These dreamy destinations
got us wondering when we would end up going through their bustling
by-lanes in the search for our subsequent discovery. So, what are you
waiting for? Get packing!!

22. Thank You for Watching