Origins of the Names San Francisco and Los Angeles

Both cities were named by Spanish explorers in the 18th century, honoring Catholic feast days:

San Francisco

• 1769: Gaspar de Portolá's overland expedition reached the bay on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4).
• Named "San Francisco de Asís" in the saint's honor.
• Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) founded 1776.

Los Angeles

• 1769: Portolá expedition (with Juan Crespí) camped near the river on August 2, feast of "Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles" (Our Lady, Queen of the Angels).
• Named "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río Porciúncula".
• Shortened over time to Los Angeles ("The Angels").

Both names reflect the Spanish practice of naming settlements after the saint's day of arrival or founding.