What Is Named After Frankfurt, Germany? The Frankfurter

The frankfurter—the slender, parboiled sausage commonly known as a hot dog—takes its name from Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The sausage originated there (as Frankfurter Würstchen) and was brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century.

In Germany, "Frankfurter" is a protected geographical indication for sausages produced in the Frankfurt region according to traditional recipes. In the U.S., the term became generic for any similar smoked, cured sausage—eventually evolving into the "hot dog" when served in a bun.

Other Frankfurt eponyms include Frankfurt School (critical theory), Frankfurt Parliament (1848), and Frankfurt Airport (FRA), but the sausage remains the most globally recognized namesake.