How strange Columbus streets got their names

Axios

26-02-2025

Apparently, lots of our readers wonder"How did that name happen?" while traveling Central Ohio streets. So we tracked down some answers.
Why it matters: Street names not only pique our curiosity but also shape a neighborhood's character, reflect local history and can even affect property values.
How it works: Eye-catching streets pop up often in new housing developments. Developers submit the names, which local governments review and approve, Andy Beard, Columbus' chief plans official, tells Axios.
"Courts" must be dead ends, but otherwise "there is no set standard for what is a street, drive, road, avenue, place, circle, etc.," for modern roads, he says.
Historically, the city's numbered street grid had "streets" run north to south and "avenues" east to west.
Zoom in: Many area developments are themed, some arbitrarily, some thoughtfully.
A Hilliard subdivision 's Italian fruit and vegetable street names came from the Sugar family that sold the land.
It honors their Sicilian heritage, PulteGroup's Columbus division president Jim Marcero tells us. (Broccoli Drive, which reader Christa J. pointed out, is actually a nod to the Sicilian word for "cauliflower.")
Meanwhile, the Mojo Dojo Casa House from the "Barbie" movie would fit perfectly in this Ken-centric neighborhood off Kenny Road reader Grace A. sent us.
Flashback: Many streets in Columbus' oldest areas were named after prominent land owners and public figures, like the Kenny family.
Mooberry Street near Nationwide Children's Hospital recognizes William Mooberry, a Revolutionary War soldier.
There was also a notable Godown family, which we suspect is the popular road's namesake.
Plus: Other roads reflect geography, such as Three Bs and K Road, at the convergence of Berkshire, Berlin, Brown and Kingston townships in Delaware County.
Yes, but: Like reader Danae K., we can't decide if combining two river names to make "Sciotangy Drive" in Upper Arlington is clever or cringey.
Fun fact: German Village's streets and landmarks used to be more German — Schiller Park was Von Schiller, for example — but they were Anglicized after World War I, Beard says.
The intrigue: The Powell Historical Society has no explanation for a reader favorite, Seldom Seen Road, and has tried to track down an origin for years, city spokesperson Anna Subler tells us.
Rutherford Road, north of it, was once called Never Seen Road, she notes.
More of your favorite streets
🥞 Rob. N: My wife and I live on Johnnycake Court in Galena. When we moved here five years ago, three of my friends sent me recipes for johnnycakes (which I never made).
⚾ Gretchen B.: I used to live on Fenway Road in Clintonville. My hubby was a huge Red Sox fan.
🇺🇸 Jane H.: To get to the parking lot for the Ohio Wesleyan University natatorium from Route 23 north, you take the ninth president of the United States: left on William Street, left on Henry Street, right on Harrison Street!
👟 Lisa R.: I'm always tickled by the area of Hilliard with shoe brand names: Nike Drive, Saucony Drive, Reebok Drive, Converse Court.
Tyler is too! Apparently, it was just "just their theme," a former county engineer says.
🐶 Dania H.: There's a Baskerville Drive off McNaughten Road on the East Side that's always made me want to hang a stuffed dog over it and get a picture of the hound. 🙂
🤯 Alissa's thought bubble: I'm shocked to see there's also an Alissa Lane off McNaughten — I never find my name on anything!
I'll be making a pilgrimage this week.
📬 Email [email protected] if you'd like to add names to our list.