The Baltimore Ravens are called the Ravens because their name was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem "The Raven." Poe, a 19th-century poet, lived and is buried in Baltimore, creating a strong cultural and historical connection between the team and the city. When the NFL team relocated to Baltimore in 1996, a fan poll conducted by The Baltimore Sun decided the name, and "Ravens" won overwhelmingly due to its local significance and strong imagery. The name also complements Baltimore's existing sports team, the Orioles, reflecting a theme of bird mascots for the city. The team branding, including its colors and mascot named Poe, further honors this literary heritage.
