Amarillo, Texas is an interesting place. On the outside it may not seem like much, but there is more history and culture here than meets the eye. There's also a lot of, frankly, weird stuff hanging around that we all love. It's no surprise, our nicknames would even be unique.

Here are the past, current, and future nicknames for Amarillo, Texas.

Old Nicknames For Amarillo, Texas

We have some interesting nicknames in our past. While not entirely wacky or insane, they do come with some interesting stories.

  • Oneida - This was Amarillo's OG name. The original. Honestly, while I respect the history and culture attached to the name, I'm not upset about the change. Amarillo just rolls off the tongue.
  • Yellow Rose of Texas - I've never heard anyone in any conversation ever refer to Amarillo as the Yellow Rose of Texas. That doesn't mean that it wasn't a nickname. It makes a lot of sense considering that the name Amarillo comes from the Spanish word for yellow, and that was chosen because of the yellow flowers growing in the area. That's, at least, the short version of the story.
  • Friendly City - Click the link. It's true. There was a small window of time when Amarillo took upon itself the name "The Friendly City." Apparently, the powers that be forgot the first major cardinal rule of nicknames. Only an absolute tool of a human being gives themselves a nickname and expects everyone else to use it.

Current Nicknames For Amarillo, Texas

There are still nicknames floating around, and many of us use them on a somewhat daily basis. You'll be familiar with them.

  • Bomb City - Thank you Pantex. This name has nothing to do with "being the bomb dot com" but more with the things that go boom in a really big way.
  • Yellow City - Another play off of the Spanish meaning of the word. You see this one a whole lot too.
  • H806 (Hate Oh Six) - A play off the area code with a nod to some of the societal and cultural strife found within our city limits. Usually, this one isn't used in the most "endearing" kind of way.

Future Nicknames For Amarillo, Texas

While we have the names used in the past, and those being used now, we can look around us and think to the future. What could our nicknames possibly be?

  • Canyamarillon - For when the inevitable happens and the two municipalities collide. They'll merge like two galaxies spinning and hurling through the infinite dark of the cosmos.
  • 72 Oz City - For when the inevitable happens, and the civic center is just replaced with events where we cram everyone into the Big Texan, shoulder to shoulder like sardines, for obscenely large cuts of beef and whatever entertainment happened to need a routing gig.
  • Poodleville - I asked the Magic Eight Ball sitting on my desk, and at some point the Poods will have an incredible streak. Everyone will be forced to reckon with their doubting and nay-saying and accept the fact that we are a baseball town. At this point, we will be known as Poodleville. The t-shirts will be novelty collector items.
  • Mother Road City - This one is coming. Quick. The centennial for Route 66 is coming, and we're already partying. The actual 100th birthday of the Mother Road is in 2026. We're the biggest thing on Route 66 in the state of Texas. While Shamrock will enjoy fans of that car movie checking out the U Drop Inn, and plenty of people kissing the Blarney Stone, it will be Amarillo that stands to shine the most. We will ascend to a higher place of notoriety among the open road enthusiasts, and accept our new moniker of Mother Road City.
  • Center City - Eventually, the name Center City will the leave the confines of the downtown area in Amarillo, and spread its tendrils across the city. It won't take long before all of Yellow City is simply absorbed into what is Center City. We'll have breweries, lofts, and brunch on every corner; stretching from city limit to city limit.

Maybe.

I'm no fortune teller or psychic. So, don't quote me on those.

Say You're From Amarillo Without Saying You're From Amarillo

Amarillo is a pretty quirky place. We've got the Big Texan, the weird signs, and (obviously) the famed Cadillac Ranch. But more than that, there's a distinct culture of close-knit community, eccentrics, a thriving arts scene, and much more.

The point is, living in Amarillo is a unique experience. Because of that, it's really pretty easy to tell who's a native or a long-time resident. And I can prove it.

Here's a couple of ways you can say you're from Amarillo.....without saying you're from Amarillo.

More Bad Reviews of Places In Amarillo

So bad they're good...

You've got to read these confusing, amusing, and unintentionally hilarious bad reviews of Amarillo's major area attractions.

LOOK: This "Amarillo Pictorial" is an Amazing Collection of Historical Photos!

Wow. Just wow.

Robbi McDaniel Rivers dug up this incredible magazine published in 1931. You'll find the many Amarillo buildings and landmarks that you know and love--they're brand new in these photos!

Enjoy!

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