Lankershim

Lankershim is a surname and a former place name in Southern California. The most prominent association is with the Lankershim Ranch, a large agricultural estate established in the San Fernando Valley. In the late 19th century, brothers John Lankershim and Isaac Lankershim acquired significant land holdings in the valley, transitioning it from wheat farming to more diverse crops. Their business interests were instrumental in the development of the region.

The town of Lankershim was founded in 1888 as part of this development, serving as a community center for the agricultural operations. It was located near what is now the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard in North Hollywood. The Lankershim family and their associates played a key role in the growth and infrastructure of the area.

In 1923, the town of Lankershim officially changed its name to North Hollywood. This rebranding was intended to attract new residents and businesses, leveraging the popularity of Hollywood. Despite the name change, the Lankershim legacy persists through Lankershim Boulevard, one of the major thoroughfares in the San Fernando Valley, and in historical references to the area's pioneering agricultural past. The name Lankershim also continues as a surname for descendants of the original settlers.