The evolution of the town now known as Pictou is a fascinating journey through history, marked by a diverse tapestry of names that reflect its rich heritage and cultural influences.

The town's earliest identity was as Coleraine, a name that likely harkened back to the homeland of its early settlers, evoking memories of distant shores and ancestral ties. Over time, as the settlement grew and evolved, it adopted new names reflective of the aspirations and identities of its inhabitants.

Alexandria emerged as another incarnation of the town, perhaps inspired by the grandeur and ambition of ancient cities bearing the same name. Donegal followed, a nod to the Irish heritage of many early settlers, invoking images of landscapes and rugged coastlines.

Teignmouth and Southampton, names with English origins, suggest connections to maritime traditions and seafaring communities. These names evoke images of bustling ports and bustling waterfronts, where ships from distant lands docked and traded goods.

Wamsley, New Edinburgh, and New Paisley offer glimpses into the town's Scottish heritage, echoing the names of towns and cities in the homeland of many early settlers. These names speak to a sense of nostalgia and longing for the familiar landscapes of Scotland, transplanted to the shores of Nova Scotia.

Each name in the town's lineage is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people, who carved out a new home in a land far from their own. Though the town eventually settled on the name Pictou, its earlier identities remain etched in its collective memory, a reminder of the diverse tapestry of cultures that shaped its identity.