Did You Know Kentwood Was Originally Called Paris?

Many Michigan cities, towns, and townships have changed their names over the years but I didn't know Kentwood was originally called Paris and others are surprised too.

Michigan Cities That Have Changed Their Names

Many Michigan cities and towns have changed their names like Kalamazoo was originally known as Bronson. The name Bronson came from its founder Titus Bronson. The city went with Kalamazoo in the 1830s.

Grand Haven used to be called Gabagouache but became the city of Grand Haven in 1837. Holland used to be called the Holland Kolonie. Rockford was once known as Laphamville. Spart was called Nashville until they found out there was already one in Michigan. Names often were changed once more people lived in a village, township, town, or eventually a city.

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Kentwood Used to be Called Paris

Unlike the cities that were mentioned above getting their names over 100 years ago, Kentwood didn't get its new name until 1967.  According to Kentwood, it was just a township until the city became incorporated by a vote in 1967. Now the town has grown to over 54,000 residents and continues to grow. If you look closely at the map above you can see that East Paris is still part of Kentwood.

Joe F Spaulding made a post on X that said, "Kentwood used to be called Paris? Is everything I know about GR a lie?" That is when the thread above appeared on X.

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IAmJillyBean made probably the funniest post on the thread by saying, "Who knew I've been going to Paris every weekend! My boyfriend is French."