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When my husband first moved to Portland, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that the street he lived on seemed familiar. distance? Flanders. He was surprised when I explained that several Simpsons characters were named after Portland.
This led to a lengthy conversation about the Simpsons' relationship with Portland. Finally, it's my time to shine! But where should you start?
Who is the creator of The Simpsons?
Well, I guess we can start with Mastermind. The creator of The Simpsons grew up in the City of Roses (lucky you)!
Matt Groening was born and raised in West Hills, Portland. He lived in Evergreen Terrace (the name of the street where the Simpsons live) with his parents Homer and Margaret and his sisters Lisa, Patty and Maggie. So it doesn't take much guesswork to determine where the Simpsons' name comes from.
When asked why he named his well-known son Bart, Groening said that the sound was very similar to a “bark” and that he found humor in his father getting angry and yelling “Bart!”
Are Simpsons characters named after Portland streets (really)?
yes! And if Groening had had more time, there would have been a lot more Simpsons characters named after Portland streets.
In an interview, Groening said: “I named a lot of my characters after Portland streets very early on. I thought it would be fun for Portlanders to drive through streets arranged alphabetically. There's Flanders, Kearney, and Lovejoy, mostly in northwest Portland. “My goal was to name all the characters after Portland streets, but I was so impatient that I gave up on that idea.” (source)
simpsons character names
Below is a list of Simpsons characters and Portland streets named after them. Let’s get to the fun part!
#One. Simpsons Character Name: Ned Flanders
Portland Connection: NW Flanders Street
Ned Flanders, the domineering and cheerful neighbor every Portland native will tire of, is the namesake of NW Flanders St (the street I lived on for three years!). Ned is a well-meaning neighbor (a rarity in Springfield) and is best known for his extreme religiosity and giddy personality.
Ned Flanders’ catchphrase: “How ridiculous, my neighbor!”
Here's a fun fact: In the city of Portland, NE Flanders St. Change signs frequently. That's because people add a “D” to NE to say “NED FLANDERS” on signs.
![](https://embracesomeplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSC08759-1024x683.jpg)
#2. Simpsons Character Name: Major Quimby
Portland Connection: NW Quimby Street
The mayor of Springfield may not be very astute, but one thing is certain. He's not going anywhere. Much like the street named after him, NW Quimby Street!
In the show, Mayor Quimby is a slick politician obsessed with getting re-elected. He is best known as a victim of corruption and bribery. The seal on his desk reads “Extreme Corruption,” meaning “Extreme Corruption.” telling…
Major Quimby's catchphrase: “Vote for Quimby!”
Did you know? Mayor Quimby's official name is Mayor Joseph Fitzgerald O'Malley. Fitzpatrick O'Donnell The Edge Quimby, nicknamed Diamond Joe.
![Portland Simpson Name](https://embracesomeplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSC08808-1024x683.jpg)
#three. Simpsons Character Name: Pastor Lovejoy
Portland Connection: NW Lovejoy Street
Oh, and the trusty Timothy Lovejoy Jr., better known as Pastor Lovejoy, is a pastor in Springfield. His name comes from NW Lovejoy Street.
Reverend Lovejoy arrives in Springfield optimistic and idealistic, but soon develops a cynical attitude toward his career choices thanks to Ned Flanders, whose relentless indecisiveness and annoying tendencies drive the reverend crazy.
Pastor Lovejoy’s catchphrase: “Wait. This sounds like rock and roll!”
![](https://embracesomeplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSC08271-1024x683.jpg)
#4. Simpsons Character Name: Mr. Burns
Portland Connection: Burnside & Montgomery Streets
Mr. Charles Montgomery Burns, better known as Burns, was named after Montgomery Street and Burnside Street. Mr. Burns is Simpson's main antagonist and is frail and old, but cruel and ruthless in his pursuits. Most of them are evil.
Mr. Burns’ catchphrase: “excellent!”
![](https://embracesomeplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSC08749-1024x683.jpg)
#5. Simpsons Character Name: Kearney ZzYzwicz
Portland Connection: NW Kearney Street
Kearney is a classic badass, but unique. He's been a classy gangster longer than most people have been students. The joke is that he keeps getting interrupted. So he looks much older than the other kids. Kearney is named after NW Kearney Street.
Catchphrase: “The first person to blink is dead.”
![Portland Simpson Name](https://embracesomeplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSC08268-1024x683.jpg)
Simpson Springfield Map
The Simpsons' layout of Springfield is also very similar to the layout of the city of Portland. Did you notice any similarities?
![](https://embracesomeplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/sqhrra8xMYuTZGtzq2jdip5_Xp5-RFyxXSLlh-LpvbY-1024x668.png)
![](https://embracesomeplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-14-at-9.36.55-PM-1024x524.png)
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If you'd like to read about an interview in which Matt Groening discusses the Simpsons' relationship with Portland, I recommend this article!
Until next time,
Antonina