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About the naming rules

The naming rules for places in Victoria, statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities are commonly referred to as the naming rules.

The naming rules uphold the guidelines in the Geographic Place Names Act 1998. They are mandatory for naming authorities in Victoria and were developed following consultation with municipal councils, government departments and emergency response and public service providers.

The naming rules are based on national standards and policies. They provide a strong basis for standardised and clear naming procedures across the state.

Resources and downloads

The following resources may be useful for understanding the naming rules and completing a naming proposal.

The Department of Education and Training (DET) is the naming authority for schools in Victoria.

Local councils are consulted and invited to comment on any school naming proposal. They are not required to coordinate the naming process.

DET Guidelines for the naming of schools

There are many ways Victorian Indigenous languages have been spelt in historical records.

If you are using the VICNAMES historical information database to submit historical information relating to a Victorian Indigenous language, please refer to the following recommended spelling. Recommended spelling has been provided by the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL).

Download:

Recommended Spelling for Victorian Nations/Language Groups (DOC, 147.0 KB)

Barababaraba

Mogullumbidj

Bangerang

Ngarigu

Bidawal

Ngindadj

Bunurong

Ngurai-illam Wurrung

Buandig

Peekwoorroong

Dadi Dadi

Taungurung

Dhudhuroa

Thawa

Djab Wurrung

Tyakoortwoorroong

Dja Dja Wurrung

Wadi Wadi

Dhauwurd Wurrung

Wadawurrung

Gadubanud

Watjobaluk

Gulidjan

Waywurru

Gunnai/Kurnai

Wooloowoorroong

Jaithmathang

Weki Weki

Jardwadjali

Wemba Wemba

Jari Jari

Wergaia

Keerraywoorroong

Woiwurrung

Keewoorroong

Yorta Yorta

Latji Latji

Changes were deployed to SPEAR on 30 January 2026 and Responsible Authorities will soon be required to enter additional information.

This information will support the naming of new roads on plans of subdivision. Additional information and resources can be found on Subdivision Audit Program.

When Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) audits plans of subdivision, the information provided will help ensure that the name is appropriate and that it complies with the naming rules. The history behind the name can then be recorded online in VICNAMES.

If historical information has not been added to VICNAMES, Surveyors or council officers may search for and add the road name history themselves or consider contacting GNV.

Page last updated: 03/02/26