Toponymy, toponymics, or toponomastics is the study of toponyms (proper names of places, also known as place names and geographic names), including their origins, meanings, usage and types.[1][2][3][4] Toponym is the general term for a proper name of any geographical feature,[5] and full scope of the term also includes proper names of all cosmographical features.[6]
In a more specific sense, the term toponymy refers to an inventory of toponyms, while the discipline researching such names is referred to as toponymics or toponomastics.[7] Toponymy is a branch of onomastics, the study of proper names of all kinds.[8] A person who studies toponymy is called toponymist.[1]
^Ormeling, F. J. Sr. (16–18 October 1989). "Terms used in geographical names standardization". In Tichelaar, T. R. (ed.). Proceedings of the Workshop on Toponymy held in Cipanas, Indonesia. Cibinong: Bakosurtanal.