LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) – Have you ever driven through Lafayette and wondered where certain street names come from?
I’m not talking about the Saint Streets or the ones with the presidential names. Those are kind of obvious. Instead, I’m talking about some of those French names or names that you might only hear on Waze or Google Maps, whose pronunciation is garbled.
Street names are crucial to the identity of a local community for several reasons:
Historical meaning: Street names often reflect the history and heritage of a community. They can commemorate important events, notable people or historical landmarks, preserve the heritage of the area and educate residents and visitors about its past.
Cultural representation: Street names can reflect the cultural diversity and heritage of a community. They can honor local traditions, native flora and fauna, or cultural symbols, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents.
Navigation and orientation: Street names are practical in nature and help people find their way around a community. Clear and recognizable street names make it easier for residents and visitors to find places and improve the usability and accessibility of the area.
Community identity: Unique or meaningful street names contribute to the distinctive identity of a community. They can distinguish one neighborhood from another and create a sense of uniqueness and character that defines the local area.
Economic impact: Attractive or significant street names can have an economic impact by making an area more attractive to businesses, tourists and potential residents. A prestigious name can enhance the reputation and attractiveness of a neighborhood.
Social cohesion: Street names can promote a sense of community and social cohesion. They serve as common reference points and can be a source of local pride, helping to build and strengthen connections between residents.
I am by no means a native Lafayette resident. I have been here for a little over 11 years. I am still learning about many of these streets, but we do have a little information about where their names come from. Below you can see the brief history of many of these streets.
The story behind Lafayette’s street names
We drive them every day. Some are smoother than others. Some we use more often than others. Some begin, end, and/or change names randomly. These are the streets of Lafayette. The names behind many of these streets have interesting stories. We look at where these names come from and what impact their namesakes have had on the city and community.
Gallery credit: Joe Cunningham
