Name Your Kid from Route 66: Texas and New Mexico
by Casey Anderson
Route 66, known also as the Mother Road, was one of the original highways of the U.S. Highway System. Nowadays that doesn't seem like a big deal, but back then, it was historic. There were songs and a whole TV show dedicated to it. So, what better way to pick a name for your baby? One day you can tell them your inspiration, the history behind it and better yet, take your child on a Route 66 road trip!
We've already covered Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma here
Texas
Lela Typically considered a variant of Leila, this spelling is rather popular, and the city itself was named after the postmaster's sister-in-law. It means 'dark haired beauty' and has an upper class sort of feel. The town itself is mostly a ghost town, but there are some historic landmarks still standing that you could one day take young Lela to.
Lark While there's not much left of the town, the name can stand the test of time. Lark means 'songbird' and is named after the many lark birds. The word lark also means a merry, carefree adventure. What a pretty thought and a pretty name! It's not very common in the US but is prevalent in other countries.
Adrian This name is derived from Hadrianus an place name that means 'from Hadria' which is a town in Italy. This is a good Italian name. It has charm and style. You can trust Adrian is a cool guy. The Disney movie Cars got its inspiration for Flo's V8 Caf' from The Midpoint Caf' in Adrian. The character of Flo was based on one of the previous owners of the caf'. It still operates today, and I'm sure your Adrian would love to have a meal there in his city.
Vega Vega is an extremely unique name, particularly in the US where it is rarely used. It is however a very pretty girls name. Vegais a star in the Lyra constellation, and the word means 'swooping eagle.' Vega is one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Everyone wants their little girl to be a shining star right? So this is a perfect name for her. The city along Route 66 has some of the most historic landmarks still standing.
New Mexico
Dilia This name is said to be an abbreviation of a German name Odilia, which is said to mean both 'fatherland' and 'Wealth and fortune.' The way I see it, that means the name stands for land of wealth and fortune, which sounds like a great thing to be named after. The town on Route 66 is extremely small and not on all Route 66 maps. The name Dilia feels the same way, unique and unusual but not unfamiliar.
Glorieta This is a Spanish name meaning, basically a roundabout, or an area where several roads meet. It aptly described the town. As a feminine name, it seems much like Gloria, but more unique. It holds the promise of have many different paths before you. The town still has some Route 66 landmarks worth visiting.
Grant (Grants) This name means "great" or "large." The town name is plural as it was named for three brothers with the last name of Grants. The name Grant is not uncommon nor over used. There are a lot of powerful history figures bearing the name. The meaning is also something to live up to. The town has a plethora of historic landmarks and natural wonders; it would surely be a great stop for a Route 66 road trip with the kids.
Montoya This is an unusual name that has been gaining popularity. The history of it is rather interesting. Originally a surname from Spain it was adopted by the Spanish Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition. They used the name because the word 'Monte' meaning mountain and 'Yah' their name of God, making the name to them mean in English "mountain of God."
Manuelito Manuelito is a Spanish name meaning 'Little Manuel' and derives from Immanuel "God among us." However the town was named after a Navajo chief. His actual name was something complete different, but the white settlers called him Manuelito and thus that is how history remembers him. It's a great name to live up to, even with a complicated history. And the city of that name is beautiful and mostly enclosed by red sandstone cliffs.
Thanks for reading the baby name tour through the next two states of Route 66, next up will be Arizona!
