New research by Premier Inn has revealed the most beautiful sounding city names globally, using the linguistic theory of iconicity alongside Adelman et al. (2018)’s study on sound symbolism. Analysing a list of 100 global cities, the study measured which city names convey the most positive emotions when said out loud.

The analysis revealed that Tokyo is the most beautiful sounding city name globally, with Asia also hosting three of the top five most pleasing names in the world. Glasgow also makes the global list, in seventh position, alongside taking the crown for the most beautiful city name in the UK.

1. Tokyo, Japan: It’s easy to see why vibrant Tokyo claims the title of the world’s most beautiful city name; the word is almost onomatopoeic in its nature, echoing the energy of the city’s bustling streets. Before the city became Japan’s capital, it was originally called ‘Edo’, a fishing village which emerged as a political centre in the 1600s. Just over 200 years later, the city became one of the most populous in the world (and remains so to this day), taking Japan’s capital status in 1868.

2. Mumbai, India: In the heart of India lies the enchanting city of Mumbai, whose name was inspired by Mumbā or Mahā-Ambā, the patron Hindu Goddess of the Koli. It’s known to mean “mother”, which is fitting, as Mumbai has acted as the unofficial financial hub and most populated area of the country for many years. The urban wonder was originally known as Bombay – a name that changed in 1995.

3. Vancouver, Canada: Nestled on the western edge of Canada, where the mountains meet the sea, lies the urban oasis of Vancouver. Vancouver’s name finds its origins in the historical roots of the city, representing George Vancouver, a Brit who explored the Burrard Inlet in the late 1700s. The great explorer’s name is actually Dutch, coming from “van Coevorden”, a name linked to inhabitants of Coevorden in the Netherlands.

4. Kyoto, Japan: The second Japanese city to make the rankings, Kyoto’s name carries the reverence of centuries-old temples and the grace of traditional tea ceremonies. Originating from the Japanese characters “京” (kyo) meaning “capital” and “都” (to) meaning “city”, Kyoto’s name reflects its historical significance as the imperial capital for over a thousand years. The city was known as “Heian-kyo” during the Heian period, which translated to a variation of “peace” or “tranquillity” and aptly describes the city’s serene ambience during that era.

5. Nairobi, Kenya: The name Nairobi, like the African savannah that surrounds it, pulses with an energy uniquely its own. In fact, Nairobi stems from the Maasai phrase “Enkare Nairobi,” which translates to “place of cool waters” in reference to the swamp the city was built upon. Today, Nairobi thrives as a major economic and cultural hub, blending modern skyscrapers with wildlife reserves and a vibrant arts scene.

Most Beautiful UK City Names

Looking at UK cities in particular, Glasgow takes the top spot as the most beautiful sounding UK city name, with another Scottish city, Edinburgh

1. Glasgow, Scotland: It is no surprise that Glasgow lands firmly as the loveliest UK city name. Nestled along the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow is a city with a rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. In its early history, Glasgow was known as “Glaschu” in Scottish Gaelic, which derived from the Gaelic words “Glas” meaning “green”, and “chu” meaning “hollow”, while various translations through the centuries have awarded the city the nickname “Dear Green Place”.

2. Liverpool, England: Once a vital port in the British Empire, Liverpool’s name is believed to have originated from the Old English words “lifer” meaning “thick or muddy water” and “pōl” meaning “pool,” as a nod to the city’s location. With a name that echoes with stories of maritime adventure, today Liverpool continues to be renowned for its iconic waterfront, historic docks and more recently as the hometown of The Beatles.

3. Belfast, Northern Ireland: The first city in Northern Ireland to grace the list of most beautiful sounding UK city names, Belfast is known for a history of shipbuilding and hardship, as well as strides towards peace. The name “Belfast” is thought to have descended from the Irish “Béal Feirste”, which loosely translates to “mouth of the sandbank”, referring to its location at the mouth of the River Farset. Today the city is known for its captivating street art, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality.

4. Manchester, England: From its cotton-spinning origins to its thriving arts scene, Manchester encapsulates the spirit of progress and creativity. The city became a prominent centre for the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution, earning the nickname “Cottonopolis”. In the 21st century, Manchester has developed into a thriving metropolis with a diverse musical culture and iconic landmarks such as the Manchester Town Hall and the Old Trafford stadium, home to world-famous football club: Manchester United.

5. York, England: Nestled within ancient city walls, York is steeped in history, from Roman legions to Viking conquests and medieval splendour. With a rich heritage spanning over two millennia, York has had plenty of names through time: “Eboracum” was its Roman name, York was known as “Eoforwic” during the Anglo-Saxon period, and as “Jórvík” during the Viking era, when the city was a significant Norse settlement.

A spokesperson from Premier Inn commented:

“Cities around the world are a tapestry of landmarks, museums, and captivating spots waiting to be explored, but many of us have never paused to savour the melody in a city’s name. We really enjoyed researching etymology of cities across the UK and further afield, and what better way to inspire wanderlust than researching the origins of a city’s very name.

“While we studied cities across the globe, our research also highlights some beautiful UK city names, from the lyrical allure of Cardiff to the rhythmic charm of Liverpool. By celebrating the unspoken magic of these names, we hope to continuously inspire travellers to dig deeper into the history and culture that visiting a new place evokes.”

A full breakdown of the most beautiful city names in the world can be found on the Premier Inn website here: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/news/2023/beautiful-city-names.html