So Cambridge's nickname is Silicon Fen by the analogy of Silicon Valley in California, because it lies at the Southern end of the English Fenland. The nickname contrasts with Scotland's Silicon Glen, which also hints at manufacturing. Cambridge is also called “City of perspiring dreams”, created by the student's union.
"Silicon Fen" – often applied to Cambridge and the immediately surrounding region, because of the large number of high tech businesses in the area. The name alludes to similarities to Silicon Valley in California, and the city's location close to The Fens.
The settlement's original name was Grantabrycge, which meant bridge over the river Granta. As the name changed to Cambridge, so too did the name of the river, which became known as the Cam.
Oxford – The City of Dreaming Spires: Known globally for its prestigious university, Oxford caught the eyes of Victorian poet Matthew Arnold, who gave the city this nickname in his poem 'Thyrsis', in reference to the spectacular architecture of the university buildings.
Cambridge, England: Historic University Town - Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite
What is the nickname of Manchester England?
Manchester became known as the world's largest marketplace for cotton goods and was dubbed "Cottonopolis" and "Warehouse City" during the Victorian era.
New York City is known by many nicknames—such as “the City that Never Sleeps” or “Gotham”—but the most popular one is probably “the Big Apple.” How did this nickname come about?
The French capital is such a cultured, picturesque city that even its lamps are majestic. Behind this artistry, however, is a ghastly tale that explains Paris' famous moniker, “The City of Light.” The City of Light is a suitably flattering name for one of the world's prettiest places.
Best known for its legendary university, Cambridge is one of the most famous cities in merry England. With greenery galore and beautiful old buildings as far as the eye can see, it's a popular getaway-spot for Brits and tourists alike.
Many UK towns and cities are named after the rivers or seas that they grew up next to. Similar to Weymouth meaning “the mouth of the River Wey” or Plymouth meaning “the mouth of the River Plym”, Cambridge (pronounced Came-bridge not Cam bridge) means “the bridge over the River Cam”.
The “Big Apple” as a nickname for New York City really takes hold in the 1920s jazz era. The term, already in popular meaning as betting on a sure thing, makes its way to racetracks in the early 1920s.
Hogtown is a popular nickname for Toronto. The origin of the nickname lies in the hog-processing industry located there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A native or resident of Ontario's capital city is called a Torontonian.
Call it the Windy City, Chi-town, or the City of Big Shoulders—but one nickname has seen an especially interesting evolution over the years: the Second City.
Currently, Birmingham is commonly referred to as the UK's second city, although Manchester has also emerged as a contender. Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast also have alternative claims due to their status as capital cities of the other home nations.
Birmingham has been known as the UK's Second City - the biggest outside London, the capital - since World War One. But often Manchester tries to take this crown - and there has been much discussion over which of the two cities really is bigger.
London population of over 9.4 million. The 2nd largest city in the UK - Birmingham - has a population of 1.1 million. Is there a direct train from London to Birmingham and how long does the journey take?
Brighton has several nicknames. Poet Horace Smith called it "The Queen of Watering Places", which is still widely used, and "Old Ocean's Bauble". Novelist William Makepeace Thackeray referred to "Doctor Brighton", calling the town "one of the best of Physicians".
