Why Atlanta Is Called “Atlanta”: The Story Behind the City’s Name

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are just curious about the city, you’ve probably wondered: why is Atlanta called Atlanta? The name sounds modern and sleek, but its roots go back to railroads, Latin, and a little bit of political compromise.

Below is a clear breakdown of how Atlanta got its name, what it was called before, and how that history still shapes how people talk about the city today.

From Railroad Stop to “Atlanta”

Atlanta didn’t start out as a big city. It started as a railroad endpoint in the 1800s.

The Railroad Origins

In the 1830s and 1840s, Georgia was building major rail lines to connect the interior of the state to the coast and to the rest of the country. One of those lines was the Western and Atlantic Railroad, running between Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Georgia.

The southern end of that line needed a terminus—a final stop.

• A point was surveyed in north Georgia forests
• Workers and planners set up camp there
• That point became the foundation of what is now downtown Atlanta

Because of this, early Atlanta wasn’t built around a river or port like many cities. It was built around rail tracks and the people and businesses that came with them.

You can still feel that railroad influence when you’re near places like Underground Atlanta, the Gulch area, and the railway lines crossing downtown.

Before Atlanta Was “Atlanta”: Earlier Names

The city went through several names before settling on Atlanta. Each one reflects a different phase in its growth.

Early Names and What They Meant

Here’s a quick look at the main names the area held:

Terminus

The first common name was Terminus, which simply means “end of the line.”

If you hear Atlanta locals refer to “Terminus” today, they’re usually talking about this early history or about businesses and developments that use the historic name.

Marthasville

Around 1843, the settlement was renamed Marthasville, after Martha Lumpkin, daughter of Governor Wilson Lumpkin. The Lumpkin family was politically influential, especially in railroad planning and state infrastructure.

For a short time, the town was officially recognized as Marthasville, but as the city grew and the railroad connections expanded, many leaders felt the city needed a shorter, more modern-sounding name.

How the Name “Atlanta” Was Chosen

The name “Atlanta” was adopted in the mid-1840s. The reason behind it is closely tied to the Western and Atlantic Railroad.

Connection to the Western & Atlantic Railroad

One widely shared explanation is that “Atlanta” was derived from “Atlantic”, as in the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which connected inland Georgia to routes leading toward the Atlantic coast.

The idea was that the city’s name would reflect:

• Its role as a transportation hub
• Its connection to the broader Western & Atlantic line
• A future-looking, urban identity rather than a small railroad camp feel

Some accounts describe railroad engineer or planners suggesting the name because it sounded strong, simple, and appropriate for a growing rail center.

A Name Rooted in “Atlantic” and “Atlas”-Style Latin

The word “Atlanta” feels similar to other names that borrow from Latin or classical roots. It echoes words like:

• “Atlantic” – emphasizing connection and trade
• “Atlas” – maps, routes, and geography

Because of that, the name “Atlanta” carries a sense of movement, mapping, and connection, which fits a city built on transportation routes.

Why “Atlanta” Made Sense for a Growing City

For people living in Atlanta today, the name seems natural—but in the 1800s, it was a strategic branding choice.

Short, Distinct, and Easy to Say

Compared with names like Marthasville, Atlanta is:

• Shorter and faster to write and say
• Distinct from other Southern towns
• Suitable for use on railroad maps, signs, and tickets

Railroad officials and local leaders understood that a memorable name helps put a city on the map—literally and figuratively.

A Name That Fit a Transportation Hub

Atlanta quickly became a major crossroads:

• Rail lines from multiple directions met here
• It served as a key logistics and supply center
• Over time, those rail lines were joined by highways and air routes

The name “Atlanta” continued to match the city’s evolving role as a regional and then national transportation center, reinforced later when Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport became one of the world’s busiest airports.

How the Name Still Shows Up Around the City

If you travel, commute, or explore within Atlanta, you can see the city’s naming history in modern landmarks and local language.

Place Names That Echo Railroad Roots

You may notice:

• Terminus used for business names, restaurants, or developments
• Underground Atlanta, located in a historic railroad area
• Peachtree Center and downtown areas built near early rail corridors

While you don’t see “Marthasville” used much anymore, the Terminus era is often referenced in historical tours and displays, especially downtown and in and around the Atlanta History Center exhibits.

“ATL,” “A‑Town,” and Other Modern Nicknames

From a resident or visitor’s perspective, you’re just as likely to hear:

• “ATL” – used in music, sports, and everyday conversation
• “A‑Town” – a nickname popularized in culture and entertainment
• “The A” – another shorthand way locals reference the city

All of these trace back to the core name Atlanta, and they help express the city’s modern identity as a cultural and transportation hub, not just a historic railroad stop.

What This Means for You as an Atlanta Resident or Visitor

Understanding why Atlanta is called Atlanta can actually make the city feel more connected and easier to understand when you move around it.

Here’s how this background shows up in real life:

• When you pass rail lines near Downtown, Midtown, or the West End, you’re looking at the same kind of infrastructure that gave the city its name.
• If you hear people mention Terminus in local history talks, restaurant names, or event spaces, you’ll know they’re nodding back to that first, very literal name.
• When you see “ATL” on sports jerseys, airport codes, or local branding, it’s all built on that mid‑1800s decision to rename Marthasville to Atlanta.

In simple terms: Atlanta is called “Atlanta” because it grew from the Western & Atlantic Railroad’s terminus into a major rail, road, and air crossroads—and its name was chosen to reflect that role.