Aptos is said to be an Indian name, meaning “the meeting of two streams,” in reference to Valencia and Aptos Creeks. As this was a method of naming very much in vogue among the Indians, it is likely that this is the true explanation of Aptos.
Arena (sand). See page [259].
Las Arenas (the sands).
Punta de Arenas (sandy point), a cape on the coast of Mendocino County.
Argüello (a surname). See page [106].
Armada (fleet, squadron). The Armada was the name of the great fleet sent against England by Philip II in 1588. Whether the name of this town, situated in Riverside County, has this origin has not been ascertained.
Las Aromitas y Agua Caliente (the little perfumes and hot spring), title of a land grant.
Aromas (the odors, perfumes), is in San Benito County.
Arroyo (a creek or small stream). The designation arroyo is sometimes applied to the dry bed of a former stream. It does not, as is sometimes thought, refer only to a bed with steep sides, but is applied as well to shallow streams flowing through level country.
Arroyo de la Alameda (creek of the cottonwood grove).