15 Sacramento Nicknames You Should Know

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Sacramento may be California's capital, but it's often overshadowed by its world-famous tech neighbor, San Francisco. One of the best ways to get to know Sacramento better is by learning about the nicknames attributed to it over the years.

Though officially called the "City of Trees," there are several other Sacramento nicknames to learn. Keep reading to find a nickname that you think fits Sacramento best!

15 Nicknames for Sacramento

The Almond Capital of the World

Few people know that the "Almond Capital of the World" is sometimes linked to the area around Sacramento. With California producing up to 80% of the world's almonds, this nickname isn't too far off. However, it's not a widely recognized title for the city itself, and even locals might be surprised to hear it. You're more likely to find it in articles or as a fun trivia fact!

Camellia City

Sacramento has been known for its camellia flowers since 1852. By 1910, a local campaign aimed to crown Sacramento not just California's capital but the "Camellia Capital" as well. Over time, this evolved into the nickname "Camellia City." With the camellia as Sacramento's official flower, you'll often spot this charming title on tourism brochures and souvenirs.

The Capital City

Despite being California's sixth-largest city, Sacramento remains the state capital, earning it the nickname the "Capital City." As home to the California State Capitol, where important legislation is decided, this title makes sense. While not commonly used in everyday conversation, you'll find this nickname in various articles and historical texts.

The City of Trees

Sacramento was first referred to as the "City of Trees" in 1855, though its plant life likely dates back to the 1830s when John Sutter founded the area. Some trees grew naturally, while others were planted by early residents seeking shade during the Gold Rush. Today, Sacramento proudly embraces this nickname, frequently appearing in articles about the city's history and culture.

Cow Town

There are a few theories about why Sacramento is called "Cow Town." One of the most famous theories dates back to 2002, when the LA Lakers' head coach used the term before a game against the Sacramento Kings.

Others trace the nickname to Sacramento's early agricultural roots. While "Cow Town" still appears on souvenirs and in articles, it's used less often today—partly because many locals aren't sure where the name comes from!

Farm-to-Fork Capital

In and around Sacramento, you'll find 1.5 million acres of farmland. With agriculture playing a major role in the local economy, the nickname "Farm-to-Fork Capital" emerged around 2012 as Sacramento embraced its fresh, locally sourced food. Today, the title is closely linked to the city's restaurants and food-focused events.

Gold Rush City

Settled in the mid-1800s during a wave of hopeful prospectors, Sacramento became known as a "Gold Rush City." The California Gold Rush began nearby when gold was first discovered in the region. Today, you can still find traces of this historic era throughout Sacramento, including exhibits on the Gold Rush at attractions like the Sacramento History Museum.

The River City

Thanks to the Sacramento River, one of the city's key landmarks, California's capital is sometimes called the "River City." While it's unclear exactly when the nickname began, locals have been using it since at least the 1990s. Though it appears on some souvenirs, especially near the river, the "River City" is most often used in event names or written texts.

Sac

Like many California nicknames, "Sac" is a shortened version of Sacramento. The exact origin of this moniker is unknown, but it quickly gained popularity and is now commonly used to refer to a local university, a local airport, and even the county on official websites. Additionally, residents—especially younger generations—often use "Sac" informally to refer to their city.

Sacratomato

"Sacratomato" is a playful blend of "tomato" and the city's name, reflecting the abundance of tomatoes in this part of California, which has led to a thriving canning industry. However, you won't hear this nickname in everyday conversation; locals primarily use it to refer to Sacratomato Week, an event that celebrates local restaurants and farmers.

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The Big Tomato

California's Central Valley is highly fertile, resulting in numerous farms cropping up in the area over the years. Tomatoes have been—and continue to be—a particularly popular crop among local farmers, which led to the nickname the "Big Tomato" for Sacramento, as many of these tomatoes were grown and canned in the city.

This name also plays on the well-known New York City nickname, the "Big Apple." However, you won't hear the "Big Tomato" in everyday conversation; it typically appears on novelty souvenirs and in the occasional blog post or magazine article about Sacramento.

Sactown

"Sactown" is one of the most commonly used nicknames for Sacramento among locals. This moniker takes the city's name, derived from the Sacramento American River, and gives it a contemporary twist.

While no one knows who first coined the term, it has been circulating for decades. You can expect to hear "Sactown" in conversations and see it printed on souvenirs, in local news articles, and by local businesses.

The Mento

Sacramento's nickname, the "Mento," is a shortened version of the city's name. The exact date the term was coined is unknown, but it's gained some traction over the years, becoming a title most locals are familiar with.

However, though the city's residents know the name, it's not very popular. Most people from the area prefer to call the city "Sac" or "Sactown," so you won't find it used much in literature or on souvenirs.

Sacto

No one is quite sure who coined the nickname "Sacto," but it's not hard to guess how it originated. This particular moniker likely started among locals as a shortened version of Sacramento.

While not one of the most popular nicknames among locals, it's gained some traction over the years, appearing on websites, in articles, and the occasional novelty item.

The 916

The origin of Sacramento's nickname, the "916," is straightforward—if you've ever looked at a local phone number. Since 1947, virtually all phone numbers in the city's metropolitan area have started with this area code.

This nickname is particularly popular among residents and is often used on flyers, event calendars, and in local articles. You can also find it on souvenir items as a subtle nod to the city.

In Summary

Sacramento boasts a rich culture and fascinating history, all reflected in its nicknames. Locals commonly use some of the names, while others, like "Farm-to-Fork Capital," are more unique. Hopefully, this list has helped you learn more about California's capital. You might even have found a Sacramento nickname or two to try out on your next visit!

This article was edited by Loredana Gogoescu.

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