Named after another place

The Origin of the Name "New South Memphis"

United States · TN · 641,608 population

Etymology & History

The 'New' prefix indicates a transfer name — a settlement named after an existing place in another country, typically a settler's or colonist's hometown. The prefix 'New' was used to signal both the connection to the original place and the fresh beginning in a new land. This naming pattern is extremely common in former British colonies: New York (after York, England), New Orleans (after Orléans, France) and dozens of others reflect the homelands of their founders.

Location
CountryUnited States
RegionTN
Population641,608
Type of nameNamed after another place

Etymology & History

New South Memphis is a pplx located in TN, United States. With a population of approximately 641,608, it is one of many communities whose name tells a story about the region's past.

Understanding why places are named as they are gives us a window into history — the languages spoken, the people honoured, the landscapes encountered and the cultures that shaped the world we live in today. The field of toponymy (the study of place names) reveals that almost every name has a meaning, even when that meaning has been obscured by centuries of linguistic change.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is New South Memphis called New South Memphis?
The 'New' prefix indicates a transfer name — a settlement named after an existing place in another country, typically a settler's or colonist's hometown. The prefix 'New' was used to signal both the connection to the original place and the fresh beginning in a new land. This naming pattern is extremely common in former British colonies: New York (after York, England), New Orleans (after Orléans, France) and dozens of others reflect the homelands of their founders.
What is the linguistic origin of the name New South Memphis?
The prefix 'New' in New South Memphis reflects a naming tradition.
How old is the name New South Memphis?
The age of a place name is often difficult to determine precisely. Many names predate written records entirely — they were passed down orally for centuries before being first recorded. In the case of New South Memphis, the name likely dates from the period of first significant settlement in the area, which may be medieval, colonial or even ancient depending on the region's history.