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Stilton, Colby, Cheddar… Where do all these cheeses originate from?

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Have you ever wondered where some of your favorite cheeses come from? Many of them are named after their places of origin, making each bite a tasty geography lesson. Whether you're a cheese expert or just enjoy a good slice on your sandwich, it doesn’t matter—you’ll enjoy this flavorful ride either way. There are fascinating stories behind the cheeses we eat every day. So, let’s take a trip around the world—one cheesy stop at a time—and explore 10 places that gave these famous cheeses their names.

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We can’t start with anything but a classic. Parmesan—or, as the Italians say, Parmigiano Reggiano (fancy name, huh?)—hails from two regions in Italy: Parma and Reggio Emilia. Can you see where the name comes from?

This one is often called the "King of Cheeses." It’s the perfect topping for pasta thanks to its hard, crumbly texture.

As for Italians, they take Parmesan very seriously—and we mean legally. Only cheese made in these regions can be called Parmigiano Reggiano. Its rich, nutty flavor develops over years of aging, making every sprinkle a savory delight.

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We’re not sure what it is, but over the past decade, cheddar has skyrocketed in popularity. These days, it feels like every single meal has a version with cheddar on it. It’s a global superstar—but it all started in the quiet village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. Did you know that?

Unlike some other cheeses, cheddar isn’t bound by strict naming rules. That’s why it exists in so many versions—there’s a type of cheddar for everyone.

The cheese gets its signature dense texture from a unique process called "cheddaring," where curds are stacked and pressed. Today, cheddar is as common in a grilled cheese sandwich as it is on a fancy cheeseboard. So, what’s your favorite cheddar dish?

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There may be as many types of cheese as there are people in the world, but we can all tell the difference between the everyday varieties and the fancy ones, right? Brie definitely belongs to the latter.

Known for its soft, creamy interior and white rind, this cheese takes its name from the Brie region in northeastern France. Although the name isn’t legally protected, certain local varieties—like _Brie de Meaux_—hold special status.

Brie has a delicate, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with fruit or a crisp baguette. It’s a favorite at both casual gatherings and holiday feasts. And if you haven’t yet melted a slice of Brie on warm bread, you’re missing out on one of life’s simplest pleasures.

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This one’s a classic—but do you know where it comes from? Gouda is one of the Netherlands’ most famous exports, and it’s named after the city of Gouda.

This cheese is often large and round, and it comes in a variety of ages, from young, mild varieties to the more intense, aged Goudas.

Known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor, Gouda can be enjoyed in countless ways. The city of Gouda has fully embraced its cheesy heritage and even hosts a weekly cheese market! It’s known as "the city of cheese," so if you ever visit, you simply must try some Gouda!

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It’s about time we stuck to our own production, and when it comes to that, Colby cheese is as American as apple pie. It originated in the small town of Colby, Wisconsin, where cheesemaker Joseph Steinwand created it in 1885 and named it after his hometown.

This mild, semi-soft cheese is known for its slightly sweet flavor and firm (but not crumbly) texture. It’s a favorite for snacking, melting, or adding to sandwiches, thanks to its approachable taste.

Wisconsin’s reputation as America’s Dairyland owes much to cheeses like Colby. So the next time you bite into a slice, you’re enjoying a piece of Midwestern tradition that’s still going strong.

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Camembert is a creamy, soft cheese with a velvety rind, and it takes its name from the village of Camembert in Normandy, France. While many variations exist, true Camembert de Normandie is protected and made using traditional methods.

This cheese has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy undertones, making it a staple on any proper French cheeseboard. Camembert is beloved for its versatility—you’ll find it spread on crackers or baked into a golden, gooey delight.

Locals in Normandy are rightfully proud of this cheese, as it represents their region’s rich dairy history. Take a bite of Camembert if a creamy trip to the French countryside is what you're after!

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Colby isn’t the only cheese invented in the US—Monterey Jack brings a slice of Californian history to your table. This mild, semi-hard cheese is named after Monterey County, California, and the man who helped popularize it: David Jacks.

Jacks, a Scottish immigrant, saw an opportunity to market the cheese—and the rest is history! Its smooth, creamy texture makes it perfect for melting, making it a staple in quesadillas and burgers. Do you like this cheese?

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Blue cheese is a controversial one, not because of anything it did, but because people either love it or hate it. Which side are you on?

Stilton is one of England’s most iconic blue cheeses. It was named after the village of Stilton in Cambridgeshire, where it was first sold.

Today, only three counties in England are allowed to produce the coveted Blue Stilton, giving it a strong regional identity (and an extraordinary price tag).

With its crumbly texture and distinctive tangy flavor, Stilton stands out on any cheeseboard. You can enjoy it with a glass of port or a slice of pear. Stilton’s bold character has earned it a special place among cheese enthusiasts. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a delicious surprise!

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Gruyère cheese is named after the picturesque district of Gruyères in Switzerland, where it has been made for centuries.

This firm cheese is known for its complex, nutty flavor and smooth texture, which makes it ideal for melting into fondue or French onion soup.

Interestingly, Gruyère has been at the center of legal disputes between France and Switzerland, as both countries claim rights to the name. But as things currently stand on the legal battlefield, authentic Swiss Gruyère is protected, so every time you get some, you know you’re getting the real deal.

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Let’s round it up by going back to the beginning: Italy! For the final cheese, we have Romano, often called Pecorino Romano in Italy, with roots going all the way back to ancient Rome.

This cheese is primarily made from sheep’s milk and can be quite salty, but it’s perfect for grating over pasta dishes or adding a sharp bite to salads.

Here’s the twist: True Pecorino Romano is a protected Italian cheese, while "Romano" in the US often refers to cow’s milk versions. In any case, Romano’s robust flavor packs a punch, making it a favorite for those who like their cheese with a little extra zing. What do you think of it?

Stories of names

Who was Harvard named after? Origin of university names

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Who were the men named Harvard, Rice, or Duke? Only true visionaries would donate half of their estate to sculpting the minds of the future. From the heartfelt tribute behind Stanford’s name to the post-revolutionary rebranding of Columbia, these stories are monuments to history and culture. Let’s take a stroll through academia’s memory lane and uncover the origins of these storied university names!

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Ah, Harvard! The Ivy League giant was once a small college in the Massachusetts Bay Colony settlement called New Towne. But where did "Harvard" come from?

Enter John Harvard, a clergyman who, in 1638, decided to bequeath half his estate and his library (a whopping 400 books!) to the fledgling college. Grateful for this generous gift, they promptly named the institution after him.

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A gem of New Haven, Connecticut, Yale is another Ivy League powerhouse known for its prestigious law and drama schools.

It owes its name to Elihu Yale, a wealthy merchant who, in 1718, donated a modest shipment of goods (including portraits, books, and textiles) to a struggling collegiate school. Those goods were auctioned off, raising a much-needed £562 –a small fortune at the time.

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This New Jersey Ivy Leaguer, famous for its stunning Gothic architecture and strong emphasis on undergraduate education, has a bit of a nomadic past. Originally called the College of New Jersey, the educational institution moved around and changed names over the decades.

Eventually, it settled in Princeton, and became popularly referred to as "Prince-town’s College." However, the name wasn’t formally adopted until 1896.

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In the urban jungle of New York City, Columbia University boasts a vibrant campus life and a reputation for academic excellence. But did you know it was once known by a less-than-patriotic name?

It was founded in 1754 as King's College, which became a bit awkward after the revolution. It was then renamed Columbia College, "Columbia" being a poetic name for the new, independent country that was America at the time.

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Dartmouth is renowned for its beautiful rural setting, nestled in the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire. It was named after the Earl of Dartmouth, William Legge, a British nobleman who supported the college's founding –despite never actually setting foot in America!

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This Rhode Island Ivy, known for its open curriculum and emphasis on student choice, was founded with a mouthful of a name – the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

It was renamed in 1704 for Nicholas Brown, Jr., a prominent merchant whose family donated generously to the school.

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Perched atop a hill overlooking Ithaca, New York, Cornell is celebrated for its diverse academic programs and its stunning natural surroundings.

Founded by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, this university was unique for its commitment to practical education, allowing students the freedom to choose their own course of study. It was a revolutionary notion at the time, which would guide a curricular reform across the country.

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Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and its close ties to the tech industry. But this California powerhouse has a touching origin story.

Leland Stanford, Jr., the founder's son, tragically died young from typhoid fever. His father Leland Sr., railroad magnate and former state governor, and his mother Jane, founded the university in his memory, ensuring his legacy lived on through the pursuit of knowledge.

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This North Carolina research giant, known for its strong medical and law schools, underwent a bit of a name change in its history.

Originally called Trinity College, it was renamed Duke University in 1924 after James Buchanan Duke, a tobacco and electric power industrialist who founded the American Tobacco Company. He established The Duke Endowment, to which he donated throughout his life and left half his estate after his death.

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Nestled in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt is a renowned research university with a vibrant campus life. It owes its name to "The Commodore," Cornelius Vanderbilt, a shipping and railroad magnate, who provided the initial gift to establish the university.

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Texas businessman William Marsh Rice provided the initial funding for this Houston university, but did not live to see its opening. He was murdered by his valet as he slept, in a plot to forge the man’s will.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Rice University flourished through the years, becoming an institution known for its strong engineering and science programs.

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"USC" is a sprawling campus known for its film school and its Trojan spirit. It was founded by Robert Maclay Widney, a judge who envisioned a university that would serve the growing area. Back then it was only an expanding frontier town, which would evolve to become the city of Los Angeles.