Ballona

Place name origin

The origin of the unique toponym Ballona is much disputed and possibly unknowable. Various theories have been exchanged for more than 150 years.

• 1875: Misspelling of Ballena, Spanish word for whale (various dead whales did wash up near Ballona during the 19th century), or misspelling of Spanish “valle” meaning valley
• 1893: An introduction to Southern California in the Los Angeles Herald noted “Ballona, meaning and derivation unknown; not Spanish.”
• 1939: “The origin of the word Ballona is in doubt.” Discounts whale theory; Cristobal Machado, an heir of the rancho family, suggests it’s somehow derivative of “bay”

References

References

1. "F.A.Q.".
2. "Los Angeles Herald 30 January 1875 — California Digital Newspaper Collection".
3. "Los Angeles Herald 1 January 1893 — California Digital Newspaper Collection".
4. Robinson, W. W.. (1939). "Culver City: a calendar of events in which is included, also, the story of Palms and Playa Del Rey together with Rancho La Ballona and Rancho Rincon de los Bueyes". Title Guarantee and Trust Co..