the branch of lexicology that studies the place names of a region or a language
The branch of geography and cartography that deals with the naming of populated places, natural, and man-made geographical features on maps. In Canada the authority for geographical names lies with the provinces and territories. The Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names (CPCGN) coordinates this effort, and stimulates the development and adoption of standard policies within Canada for the handling of names and terminology. CPCGN also encourages the development of international standards in cooperation with the United Nations and other national authorities responsible for naming policies and practices. The CPCGN is served by a Secretariat provided by the Centre for Topographic Information, Geomatics Canada, Earth Sciences Sector, Department of Natural Resources Canada. Visit their Web site, where you can search a data base of over 500 000 authoritative Canadian geographical names, and their locations at URL.
Toponymy refers to the scientific study of place-names (toponyms), their origins, meanings, use and typology. The word is derived from the Greek τόπος topos, place, and oνομα Ånoma, name. It is itself a branch of onomastics, the study of names of all kinds.
