The name "Portland" most commonly refers to two major U.S. cities: Portland, Oregon, the most populous city in its state, and Portland, Maine, the largest city in its respective state. However, the origin of this widespread name traces back to the Isle of Portland, a tied island in the English Channel, which has lent its identity to countless places and concepts worldwide. Globally, "Portland" designates numerous locations, including cities and islands across Australia, Canada, and other nations, from Portland, Victoria to the Port Lands of Toronto.
Beyond geography, this versatile name identifies diverse entities such as the crucial building material Portland cement, a distinct breed of Portland sheep, and even notable figures like American comedian Portland Hoffa (1905–1990). Furthermore, "Portland" is found in transportation (multiple HMS Portland and USS Portland ships, the devastating 1898 Portland Gale), arts (a 2017 Drake song), and geology, with the famous Portland stone originating from its namesake island. This vast array of meanings underscores the significant and enduring legacy of the name.