1

NYC

Image: Pedro Durigan

Buying a hot dog in New York City is as easy as breathing. Just get out on the street, and you will find a hot dog cart. The key components are simple, but tried and true. A beef frankfurter (usually boiled) on a hot dog bun, onions, and sauerkraut. For the condiments, mustard does the trick. Decades of New Yorkers repeating the recipe tell us that it works.

2

Chicago

Image: SuckerPunch Gourmet

Chicagoans do not share the New Yorkers' simple approach to hot dogs. They are all about the accoutrements. On a poppy-seed bun, a beef frankfurter is loaded with seven specific toppings: yellow mustard, white onions, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle, tomatoes, pickled peppers, and celery salt. Not for the faint of heart.

3

Cincinnati Coney

Image: Anju Ravindranath

One of the most famous coneys —or hot dogs topped with meat sauce—a Cincinnati-style hot dog takes toppings in a totally different direction. The usual frankfurter and bun (toasted, obviously) are now the vehicle for a spread of mustard, a generous scoop of Cincinnati chili —much more spiced than your regular chili con carne, with cinnamon, allspice, cumin, and cloves—, and a helping of finely-diced yellow onions. If you are in the mood for a cheese coney, you can add shredded cheddar cheese to your heart's desire.

4

Sonoran

Image: Jenna E.

Popular in Arizona but with roots in the Mexican state of Sonora, this hot dog proudly displays its ancestry. The typical bun is replaced by a Mexican-style bolillo bun, with a crunchy crust but a soft interior. The sausage is wrapped in bacon, grilled, and topped with onions, tomatoes, and pinto beans. Popular condiments include mustard, mayonnaise, and jalapeño salsa.

5

Kansas City

Image: Kelsey Todd

Kansas City deviates from the usual all-beef frankfurter. Instead, a pork sausage(grilled or steamed) is served on a sesame bun and topped with mustard, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Another popular variant replaces these toppings with brisket burnt ends and barbecue sauce.

6

Michigan Coney

Image: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Riley Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Allegedly born among Greek immigrants, the Michigan coney is much more straightforward than its Cincinnati counterpart. While the key elements are the same —an all-beef frankfurter on a steamed bun, topped with chili, mustard, and onions— they are set apart by the meat sauce. Where Cincinnati’s flavors rely on a multitude of spices, Michigan’s chili is beanless, meat-forward, and savory. Different, but not less comforting.

7

Italian Dog

Image: Sergio Contreras

A New Jersey delicacy, the Italian dog has multiple versions. The og recipe features a deep-fried sausage on an Italian roll, mustard, and a combination of fried peppers, onions, and potatoes. Variations include swapping the traditional hot dog for a different protein or replacing the potatoes with French fries. The addition of ketchup is a point of contention for locals.

8

Seattle

Image: Megumi Nachev

Seattle-style hot dogs feature an unlikely choice as their star ingredient: cream cheese. Created by a former bagel vendor, the original buns were also bagel-style; however, standard hot dog buns or hogies are now the norm. The buns are toasted and slathered with cream cheese, topped with a grilled sausage and caramelized onions. Jalapeños are also a common addition, and vendors might offer different types of cream cheese.

9

Cleveland Polish Boy

Image: Allen Rad

The star element of a Polish boy is, no doubt, the sausage. In this case, the choice is kielbasa, a smoked meat sausage, either grilled or fried. The typical toppings are barbecue sauce, French fries, and coleslaw. Fun fact: the Polish boy is the center of an ongoing discussion. While it has all the components of a hot dog, many consider it a sandwich.

10

Texas Tommy

Image: Wright Brand Bacon

Don’t be fooled by the name; this hot dog comes from Philadelphia. Some say that ‘Texan’ was a common way to refer to all hot dogs, and it caught on. What makes a Texas Tommy different? The sausage is opened lengthwise, stuffed with cheese, wrapped with bacon, and then grilled or fried until the bacon is crispy. Considering all that’s going on with the sausage, toppings are left to the consumer’s discretion, although mustard, onions, chili, or extra cheese are popular choices.

1

Los Angeles, California

Image: Venti Views

The Spanish settlers who arrived in the area in the 18th century originally named it El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles , which translates to "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels." Elegant, but kind of a mouthful for a town name! Over time, the Spanish name stuck, but it was shortened to the more practical "Los Angeles." The city officially adopted this name when it was incorporated in 1850, the same year California became a state.

2

New York City, New York

Image: Colton Duke

Before becoming the one and only New York we know today, the city went by a different name. In the 17th century, the Dutch settlers who arrived in the area called it New Amsterdam . However, when the English seized control in 1664, they renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York.

3

Seattle, Washington

Image: Michael Discenza

Seattle is more than its iconic Space Needle; it has a long history that shaped the city we know today. When European settlers arrived in the area in 1851, they named their settlement New York and added the Chinook word Alki , meaning "by and by," "someday," or "later," suggesting it would one day become as big as New York City. However, in 1852, they changed the settlement’s name to Seattle in honor of Chief Sealth, a Duwamish and Suquamish leader.

4

Portland, Oregon

Image: Zack Spear

Early settlers referred to the area as The Clearing because it stood out from the dense forests typical of the Pacific Northwest. But in 1845, an event occurred that would change everything. Portland’s two founders, Asa Lovejoy from Boston, Massachusetts, and Francis W. Pettygrove from Portland , Maine, each wanted to name the new settlement after their hometown. So how did they decide? Simple: they flipped a coin . Of course, you know who won!

5

Kansas City, Missouri

Image: Farhodjon Chinberdiev

Kansas City was originally founded as the Town of Kansas in 1850, named for its location near the Kansas River. As it quickly grew, it was reincorporated just three years later as the City of Kansas . Finally, in 1889, it officially became Kansas City.

Fun fact: Kansas City, Missouri, was actually founded before the state of Kansas!

6

Charleston, South Carolina

Image: Tyrone Sanders

Before it became the city we know today, Charleston had another name, though not so different. When it was first settled in 1670, the English named it Charles Town in honor of King Charles II. However, over time, the name gradually evolved in pronunciation to Charleston. In 1783, after the Revolutionary War, the city was officially renamed Charleston.

7

San Diego, California

Image: Sean Mullowney

San Diego was the first site on the US West Coast settled by Europeans, which is why it's often called "the Birthplace of California." When Spanish explorers arrived in the area in 1542, they named the bay after a different saint: San Miguel . But years later, in 1602, explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno renamed it San Diego, in honor of San Diego de Alcalá (Saint Didacus of Alcalá).

8

Orlando, Florida

Image: Aditya Vyas

In 1840, the first settlers arrived in what we know today as Orlando. They were the Jernigan family, who named the place after themselves. A post office with that name was even established in 1850. However, about 6 years later, Jernigan officially changed to Orlando. Although the exact reason isn't entirely clear, there are several theories. A popular one claims it was named after Orlando Reeves, a soldier who may have died in the area during the Seminole Wars. Another well-known theory suggests the name came from Orlando , a character in Shakespeare’s As You Like It .

9

Cincinnati, Ohio

Image: Matt Koffel

In the 1780s, the first settlement in this area was called Losantiville , a name created from a mix of words meaning "The town opposite the mouth of the Licking River." But in 1790, the first governor of the Northwest Territory, who was also a member of the Society of the Cincinnati (named in honor of the Roman general Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus), disliked Losantiville and decided to change it to its present name.

10

Atlanta, Georgia

Image: Christopher Alvarenga

Atlanta didn't just have one or two names; it had three! By the mid-19th century, the area where the city stands today had become a transportation hub where several railroad lines converged. Because of this, in 1837, the area was called Terminus , meaning "the end of the line." Then, in 1843, the name was changed to Marthasville , in honor of Martha, the daughter of Georgia Governor Wilson Lumpkin. Finally, just two years later, the city was renamed Atlanta. This name is believed to be a shortened form of "Atlantic," referring to the Western and Atlantic Railroad.

1

The King of Rock and Roll

Image: Drew Beamer

Elvis Presley didn’t just sing rock and roll; he embodied it. With a signature blend of charisma, flashy outfits, and unmistakable dance moves, Elvis became a household name in the 1950s—but, of course, you knew that already.

His groundbreaking hits like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog" resonated across generations, earning him the crown of "The King." The title wasn’t just about record sales, it also reflected his status as a cultural icon who changed the music scene forever. So much so that it is still the number one place in this article! He bridged gaps between musical styles, influencing countless artists to follow. His legacy lives on, proving that some kings don’t need a throne—just a stage and a guitar. Long live the King!

2

The Sultan of Swat

Image: Lesly Juarez

Baseball is one of the best American traditions, and some figures have even outgrown the sport to become national treasures. Babe Ruth is proof of that! The player had more than one nickname , but "The Sultan of Swat," was a tribute to his legendary baseball career.

He was known for his massive home runs and larger-than-life personality. With that, Ruth transformed baseball from a strategic game to a spectacle—a characteristic that is still true of the sport today. During his time with the New York Yankees, he set records that seemed untouchable, like his famous 60-home-run season in 1927. Crowds would pack stadiums just to watch him swing, and he rarely disappointed.

Ruth’s influence was undeniable, and he became a symbol of hope during the Roaring Twenties. After saying all this, "Sultan" doesn’t seem enough, don’t you think?

3

Moses

Image: Kirt Morris

No, we’re not talking about the real Moses, but what did Harriet Tubman have to do to earn a nickname like this? Let’s see.

The nickname is, of course, a comparison. Tubman was a heroic figure, and like the biblical Moses, she led people to freedom—only her path was the Underground Railroad.

Tubman escaped slavery herself , and as if that wasn’t remarkable enough, she then risked her life to guide others north to safety. Her bravery and strategic brilliance helped free over 70 individuals directly, and she advised countless others.

This was no easy task, as you can imagine. It involved evading slave catchers and facing all kinds of risks, especially during the night. After such heroic deeds, "Moses" was the fitting nickname!

4

The Father of His Country

Image: Library of Congress

We can’t exclude Washington from this list and, even though he had more than one nickname, this one sums it all up perfectly: They don’t call George Washington "The Father of His Country" for nothing!

As the first President of the US , he essentially set the standard for everything, from leadership to integrity. But before becoming president, he led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, helping America gain independence.

What’s truly remarkable? Well, we could just enumerate a long list of reasons, but the fact that he stepped away from power when he could’ve held onto it, was a move that showed his true character. He didn’t want to be a king; he just wanted a country where power was passed peacefully. He acted like a true father, and his legacy is as rock-solid as the monuments built in his honor!

5

Ol' Blue Eyes

Image: Andrea Riondino

Back to the music world and the stars our country has created, we need to mention Frank Sinatra’s nickname, "Ol' Blue Eyes," which perfectly captures his good looks (and served as great publicity, too!).

With a voice as smooth as velvet , Sinatra enchanted the world through classics like "My Way" and "New York, New York." But it was his piercing blue eyes that added to his mystique, charming audiences everywhere.

He wasn’t just a singer; he was a seasoned performer who brought a sense of drama and romance to every song. His career spanned decades, influencing both music and film. Now, did you know this wasn’t the only nickname? He was also known as "Chairman of the Board"—you can already imagine why!

6

The Greatest

Image: Nelson Ndongala

Not Muhammad, nor "The Greatest," he was actually born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. The story of how he came to be named Muhammad is tied to his religious choices, but "The Greatest" was simply a result of his dominance in boxing.

Muhammad Ali’s nickname wasn’t just bravado; he lived up to it with his unparalleled skill in the boxing ring . He moved his feet at a disorienting speed and had some witty pre-fight rhymes, Ali changed the way the world saw boxing. Ali won the heavyweight title three times and defeated legends like Sonny Liston and George Foreman.

Beyond the sport, Ali stood up for his beliefs. He refused military service on moral grounds and spoke out for civil rights. His legacy goes beyond boxing because Ali wasn’t just a fighter; he was a champion in every sense. He truly was the greatest!

7

Lady Lindy

Image: Tomas Martinez

This is the story every little kid should hear before going to bed, dreaming about adventures and dreams coming true. Now, aside from that, let’s see how Amelia Earhart got her nickname, "Lady Lindy."

This moniker is actually a nod to Charles Lindbergh , an American aviator who made the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris. In 1932, Earhart made history by becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

This may not sound impressive today, but her daring feats challenged gender norms and inspired women to pursue their own ambitions, something that wasn’t really encouraged back then! Even after her mysterious disappearance in 1937, she remains an icon of adventure and courage. She dared to dream—and to fly—big!

8

Old Hickory

Image: Elsa Olofsson

If America is great today, that’s because the first men who ruled dared to be brave! And Andrew Jackson wasn’t just brave—he was also tough as hickory wood . Andrew Jackson’s nickname "Old Hickory," was a testament to his grit and toughness.

As a general, he led troops to victory during the War of 1812, most famously at the Battle of New Orleans. His soldiers compared him to hickory wood, known for its resilience and strength. Jackson carried this reputation into his presidency, where he championed the common man and fought fiercely against political opponents. No president in US history escaped controversy, but his leadership style was as unyielding as his nickname suggests. Whether admired or criticized, Jackson’s stubbornness defined his legacy. Old Hickory, indeed, was as tough as they come.

9

The Queen of Soul

Image: Mick Haupt

If you get a nickname that starts with "King" or "Queen" you better be either Elvis Presley or Aretha Franklin. She wasn’t just a singer; she was the singer, which earned her the title "The Queen of Soul."

Her voice could move mountains, and she brought gospel roots to mainstream music with hits like "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." Aretha’s influence extended beyond her music—she became an emblem of civil rights and female empowerment. Her powerful performances transcended genres, and people all over the world adored her.

Even after her passing, her songs remain anthems of empowerment. Franklin’s reign over soul music is unchallenged and timeless. We couldn’t expect less—that’s the job of a true Queen!

10

The Man Behind the Mouse

Image: Travis Gergen

We say "Mouse" and you can only think of Mickey, and if we say "The Man Behind the Mouse," you can only picture Walt . And you’d be right, indeed!

Walt Disney’s nickname, "The Man Behind the Mouse," hints at the magic he brought to life with Mickey Mouse and hundreds of other iconic characters. He was a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the animation industry, creating classics like Snow White and Cinderella . But it was Mickey Mouse that started it all—a symbol of hope and imagination during the Great Depression.

That was the beginning, but certainly not the end as the little mouse quickly turned into theme parks, bigger studios, millions of merchandise products, and countless dreams for people all over the world!