The study of place names is known as?

Prepare for the DSST Human Cultural Geography Exam. Engage with multiple choice questions and flashcards, each enriched with hints and explanations. Set yourself up for success!

The study of place names, or toponyms, is specifically referred to as toponymy. This field focuses on the origins, meanings, and uses of the names of geographical locations, which can reveal a lot about the history, culture, and language of the area. For instance, toponymy helps us understand how places have been named, the significance of those names, and how they can reflect the natural environment, historical events, or cultural influences.

Other disciplines, such as anthropology, geography, and cartography, encompass broader studies that may include place names as a part of their research but do not focus specifically on them. Anthropology studies human societies and cultures; geography examines the relationships between people and their environments, while cartography is the art and science of map-making. However, only toponymy concentrates explicitly on the study of place names, making it the correct answer.

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