Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Utahns are known for giving their children unique names with unconventional spelling variations, but the creative nomenclature doesn't stop there. Plenty of local neighborhoods carry unusual themes for their street names as well. (Because Maple, Walnut and Elm are just a little too bland.)
Unsurprisingly, many of these names reference religious themes, but you'll also catch plenty of pop culture and literary references if you venture around the state.
Did your neighborhood make the list?
Biblical streets in Layton
The Book of Mormon isn't the only book of scripture that appears to have influenced street names in Utah. Layton also has a neighborhood with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John streets. But this also might have been pure coincidence. Layton and Davis County historian Harris Adams told the Deseret News in 2005 that he didn't recall if the streets held any biblical significance at the time of their naming in the 1960s.
'Lord of the Rings' in Taylorsville
It turns out that you don't have to trek all the way to New Zealand to visit "The Shire" from "The Lord of the Rings." A neighborhood in Taylorsville pays homage to the Tolkien series with a few nods to some names you might recognize if you're a fan. Keep an eye out for Brandy Wine, Shire Circle, Gandalf Drive and Treebeard Road.
West Jordan also has Frodo Avenue, Bilbo Avenue and Tolkin Avenue (yes, the spelling is slightly different). Fortunately, Sauron Avenue appears not to have made the cut.
The Book of Mormon streets in South Jordan and Holladay
The name "King Benjamin's Court" isn't likely to ring a bell with anyone who's not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But for those who are familiar with the beloved ruler from The Book of Mormon, this street in South Jordan bears special significance. You might chalk it up to a coincidence if it weren't for the fact that other street names in the subdivision also carry Book of Mormon references. (King Benjamin Drive, Mosiah Court, Mosiah Way, Ammon Way and Enos Way are some of the others.)
Given the abundance of Church members in Utah, it's not surprising that another neighborhood in the Salt Lake Valley bears Book of Mormon street names. In Olympus Cove, you get Zarahemla Drive, Abinadi Road, Helaman Circle and Hagoth Circle.
Scotland in South Jordan
If you know your Scottish history and geography (or you brush up on your Macbeth references), you'll appreciate these Scotland-themed street names in this South Jordan neighborhood.
First, there's Birnam Woods Way, referring to the forest that appeared to be moving toward Dunsinane. (It was actually the opposing army disguising themselves behind branches.) Then of course you have Dunsinane, the site of Macbeth's castle. There are several other Scottish references throughout the neighborhood, including Donwald, Donalbain, Dunkeld, Helmsdale and — best of all — Bagpipe Circle.
If you're really curious, pull up the area on Google Maps and check out all the many references to the Highlands. (You can even make a game out of it.)
Golfing in South Jordan
South Jordan certainly wins points for originality, because here's yet another instance of some creative naming. Not far from the Scottish streets, you'll find a little South Jordan subdivision with golf-centered street names. How would you like to live in Bogey Circle? Or take a drive around Birdie Way? You also have Caddie Circle, Sand Trap Circle, Hook Drive, Tee Box Drive and — yes — even Golf Circle. (In case you didn't catch the theme from the other street names.)
South Jordan isn't alone in the golf theme, though. North Salt Lake and Fruit Heights also have a Bogey Circle and a Bogey Drive as well as Birdie Circle, Birdie Lane, Fairway Drive and Fairway View Drive.
Myth or reality? 6 legendary lost treasures supposedly hidden in Utah
From abandoned mines to lost Aztec gold and Spanish treasures, Utah has its fair share of legends. Whether they're true or not these stories are sure to get you out the door to do some digging!Olympics in West Jordan
There's no doubt that the Salt Lake Valley has a special spot in its heart for the Olympic games. That may have played into the naming of these streets in West Jordan. You'll feel like a winner living on Gold Medal Drive — although Silver Medal Drive is a close second. You've also got Slalom Way, Luge Lane and Figure Skate Circle. But the best might be the cleverly-named Picabo Street (even if it is a little confusing for outsiders who aren't familiar with the gold medal-winning alpine skier).
Knightly legends in West Haven
It may not be a round table, but this West Haven subdivision with King Arthur-inspired street names does form a circular shape. Arthur Way, Knights Way and Lancelot Lane all run around each other with Excalibur Way cutting through the center.
Honorable mention
While not every neighborhood sticks to a theme, there are certainly some street names that will catch your attention if you happen to drive by. Here are a few that deserve a shoutout:
- Brewski Bay in Murray
- Ditsie Drive in Magna
- Glass Slipper Road in Sandy
- Magic Wand Street in Draper
- Whimpy Way in Midvale
- Xanadu Circle in Taylorsville.
In 2021, Reader's Digest released a list of the funniest street names in each state. The winner in Utah? Wayne's World Drive in Draper. Though it's most likely a reference to the popular Saturday Night Live comedy sketch, it might also be a nod to a local farmer named Wayne Ballard who sold the land to developers.
In a state known for its unconventional naming practices, you can bet there are plenty more worthy inclusions out there. Keep your eyes peeled for these and other unique street names and themes throughout the state the next time you drive around!
