"Washington" is a remarkably versatile term primarily associated with George Washington (1732–1799), the first President of the United States, and Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, which often serves as a metonym for the U.S. federal government. It also refers to the U.S. state of Washington located in the Pacific Northwest.

Beyond these prominent associations, the name "Washington" is widely adopted for countless places across the globe. This includes towns like Washington Old Hall in England, the ancestral home of George Washington's family, as well as numerous cities, counties, and geographic features throughout the United States, Philippines, and other countries. Furthermore, it designates a multitude of educational institutions, from major research universities like the University of Washington and George Washington University to various colleges and schools, underscoring its profound and enduring legacy across diverse domains.