Baltimore is among Maryland places with Irish names. Do you know their origins?

In 1870, more than 1 in 18 Baltimoreans was born in Ireland following the surge of immigration during the Great Hunger, according to the Irish Railroad Workers Museum and census data. Today, a slightly higher proportion of city residents claim Irish ancestry, the 2022 American Community Survey shows. On display every St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish’s history here explains why some local places share names with Irish locales, but they weren’t always named after them.

Baltimore

The name of Maryland largest city is derived from the Gaelic “Baile-an-ti-mor,” meaning town of the big house. The first Lord Baltimore, George Calvert, who petitioned King James I for the charter for the colony that became Maryland, chose “Baltimore” for his barony because of his large estates in Ireland. Like Charm City, Baltimore, Ireland, has a harbor. The small fishing village is in County Cork in Ireland’s southwest corner.

Dundalk

Dundalk was named in the late 1800s by William McShane, who, when asked for a name for the railroad depot serving his family’s foundry — which is still famous for its bells but relocated to Missouri — adopted that of the northeastern Ireland seaport his father emigrated from in 1847.

Dublin

There is a Dublin in northeast Harford County named after the Dublin that became Ireland’s capital in 1922. Dublin, Maryland, was founded by George McCausland and a friend who both came from Dublin, Ireland. McCausland built a home and tavern or inn on what is today Route 440.

Mayo

Mayo Peninsula in Anne Arundel County isn’t named for County Mayo, Ireland. It is named for Commodore Isaac Mayo, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1809 to1861. He was influential in the decision to locate the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Have a story idea about Baltimore or Maryland history or a question that might lead to one? Email researcher Paul McCardell at pmccardell@baltsun.com.