Geographic names help identify and distinguish geographic features, places, or areas. The board of geographic names with assistance from the committee on geographic names is the Washington state agency that officially approves names for geographic features in Washington state.

The designation of a name is often an important issue for a community or a proponent. Due to the official and lasting nature of geographic names, designation should only occur after careful consideration of available information relating to the policies in these rules. Continuity in the use of geographic names is important for clarity in verbal and written communications and emergency situations; consequently, changes in existing names should not be made without a compelling reason.