Toronto, the largest city in Canada, has always had several nicknames, but in recent years, one has stood out more than the rest—The 6. Whether you’ve seen it in music, sports, or social media, the name has become widely associated with the city. But why is Toronto called The 6?
There isn’t just one explanation. Some say it comes from the city’s area codes, while others believe it refers to the six former municipalities that merged into what is now Toronto. However, the biggest reason for its global recognition is the influence of rapper Drake, who popularized the term in his music and branding. While not everyone in Toronto embraces it, the nickname has become an undeniable part of the city’s identity.
Why Is Toronto Called The 6: Origins Of The Nickname “The 6”
Theories behind the name have been discussed for years, but the most widely accepted explanations revolve around two key factors—Toronto’s area codes and its municipal structure.
Area Codes: 416 and 647
One of the earliest reasons people associate “The 6” with Toronto is its phone area codes. The city’s original area code, 416, dates back to the 1940s, and as the population grew, 647 was introduced. Since both contain the number six, some believe this is where the nickname came from.
While this might seem logical, it’s not the strongest reason. Many cities have numbers in their area codes, but they don’t turn them into nicknames. This is why others believe that the name is tied more to Toronto’s historical structure rather than just phone numbers.
The Six Former Municipalities
Before 1998, Toronto was not a single city but rather a collection of six municipalities—Old Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke, North York, East York, and York. These regions were separate, each with its own administration and identity. However, they were later amalgamated to form what is now modern Toronto.
Many believe that why is Toronto called The 6 can be traced back to this merger. The idea that six different areas came together to shape the city gives the nickname a historical connection beyond just a number in a phone code. Unlike the area code theory, this explanation ties directly to Toronto’s local governance and geography, making it more meaningful to some residents.
Drake’s Influence
Even if the name existed before, it didn’t gain global attention until Drake started using it. The Toronto-born rapper introduced The 6 in his lyrics, social media, and branding, making it a widely recognized term. His album Views, released in 2016, even featured the CN Tower on the cover, solidifying the connection between the city and the name.
Before Drake, “The 6” wasn’t commonly used by the average Torontonian. Today, it’s not only embraced by fans of his music but also by businesses, athletes, and local culture. His influence helped shape the nickname into something much bigger than just a casual slang term—it became a brand representing Toronto itself.
Other Nicknames for Toronto
Toronto has gone by several names over the years. “T.O.” has been around for a long time, simply standing for “Toronto, Ontario.” Some people pronounce it as “T-dot,” giving it a more stylized feel.
Another well-known name is “Hogtown,” which comes from the city’s historical ties to the meatpacking industry. While this name isn’t as commonly used today, it remains part of Toronto’s history. “The Big Smoke” is another nickname that refers to the industrial past, when factories filled the air with smoke.
“The Queen City” was once a popular way to refer to Toronto, particularly during its early growth stages. While no single nickname defines Toronto completely, The 6 has surpassed them all in modern times, becoming the city’s most recognized moniker.
The Cultural Impact of 6
The Six is not just a name—it has become a symbol of Toronto’s presence in pop culture, sports, and business.
In Music and Media
Drake may have introduced the name, but today, it’s used far beyond his music. Other artists, influencers, and media personalities have picked it up, reinforcing its association with the city. The term has appeared in movies, TV shows, and advertising campaigns, turning it into more than just local slang.
In Sports
Toronto’s sports culture has fully embraced The 6. The Toronto Raptors, in particular, have adopted it as part of their identity. During their historic NBA Championship run in 2019, fans and players frequently used the term. The phrase “We The North” became a rallying cry, often used alongside The 6 to represent city pride.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays have also used the nickname in marketing and fan engagement, showing that it extends beyond just hip-hop culture.
In Business and Branding
Local businesses have recognized the power of The 6 and have incorporated it into their branding. From clothing lines to coffee shops, the term is used in various ways to connect with customers. It has become more than just a name—it’s a marketing tool that helps businesses tap into the city’s cultural identity.
Controversies and Criticisms
While The 6 is widely used, not everyone in Toronto is a fan of the name. Some residents feel it was artificially introduced rather than something that naturally evolved. Before Drake popularized it, the nickname was barely known, leading some to question its authenticity.
Others argue that Toronto’s identity is far too diverse to be represented by a single number. The city is home to people from all over the world, and some feel that reducing its character to a nickname tied to a rapper oversimplifies its history.
Despite these criticisms, The 6 has continued to grow in popularity. Whether or not people personally like the name, it has undeniably shaped how Toronto is viewed both locally and internationally.
Wrapping Up
So, why is Toronto called The 6? The name has multiple possible origins—some say it’s based on area codes, others point to the six former municipalities, and many credit Drake for making it famous.
Regardless of where it truly started, The 6 has become a key part of Toronto’s modern identity. It’s seen in music, sports, business, and everyday language. While some may still debate its authenticity, there’s no denying its impact. Whether you love it or not, it’s a name that has cemented itself in Toronto’s culture and will likely be around for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions( F.A.Qs)
1Q. Why is Toronto called The 6 instead of other names?
The nickname comes from either its area codes (416 and 647) or the six former municipalities that merged in 1998. Drake later popularized it, making it mainstream.
2Q. Is “The 6” used officially by the city of Toronto?
No, the city itself doesn’t officially use the name, but it has been widely embraced in pop culture, business, and sports.
3Q. Do people outside Toronto recognize “The 6”?
Yes, thanks to music, sports, and media, “The 6” is now globally recognized as a reference to Toronto.
4Q. What nickname was most popular before “The 6”?
“T.O.” was the most commonly used, along with “Hogtown” and “The Big Smoke,” depending on the context.
5Q. Has Drake ever explained why he chose “The 6”?
Drake has mentioned both the area codes and the six boroughs as reasons, though the exact origin remains debated.