Alaska's Geographic Names Program

• Local Usage
  The name has been used for a period of years
  The name is recognized by area residents



• Descriptive Names
  The name is relevant to and descriptive of the feature
  The name is not in use elsewhere in the region
  The name is in good taste and not frivolous
  The name has been used for five years and evidence of this is provided



• Commemorative Names
  The person must have been deceased for at least five years
  The person must have made a significant acknowledged contribution over time to Alaska
  The person had a direct, long-term association with the feature
  The name must be supported by residents



• Alaska Native American Names
  The name is in common local use and that use is documented
  The name is linguistically appropriate to the area in which it is applied
  The land owner, if on Native land, supports the proposed name



• Historical Names
  The authenticity of the name can be established
  The name is clearly associated with the area
  



• Name Changes
  The current name is derogatory to any racial, ethnic, gender, or religious group
  The current name is duplicative and causing confusion
  There is local support of the proposed change