Have you ever wondered why Toronto is called "The Six"? Whether you've heard it in Drake's lyrics, spotted it in graffiti across Queen West, or seen it printed on Raptors merch, the nickname has become synonymous with the city. But beneath the cool factor lies a deeper story.

In this post, we'll unpack the layered origins of the nickname — from area codes 416 and 647 to the six boroughs that formed Toronto's megacity, and how local artists like Jimmy Prime and Drake helped turn "The Six" into a global cultural badge. Whether you're a born-and-raised Torontonian or a curious visitor, this deep dive will help you understand what "The Six" really means — and why it matters.

Origins of the Nickname

Area Codes 416 & 647

The nickname starts with numbers. Toronto's original area code, 416, was introduced in 1947 and remained the sole code for decades. But as the city grew, 647 was added in 2001 to accommodate demand. Both start with the number 6 — and that's where the connection begins.

Like 212 in New York or 305 in Miami, area codes often become shorthand for urban identity. In Toronto, "the 6" became a way for locals to reference home — from phone numbers to tattoos. Despite newer codes like 437 or 905, 416 and 647 remain iconic in city slang, local business branding, and cultural references.

It's more than a number. It's a marker of place, memory, and identity.

The Six Municipalities

The second layer of the nickname comes from Toronto's six former municipalities:

• Old Toronto
• Scarborough
• Etobicoke
• North York
• East York
• York

In 1998, these boroughs were merged into the megacity we now call Toronto. While the political borders changed, locals still hold tight to neighborhood pride. Saying "I'm from Scarborough — part of The Six" blends local identity with city unity.

So, when someone asks "Why is Toronto called the Six?", the answer is double-edged: area codes and borough roots. Together, they offer both precision and emotional meaning.

Hip-Hop & Drake's Influence

Jimmy Prime's Role

Toronto rapper Jimmy Prime (aka Jimmy Johnson) is widely credited with coining the term "The Six" in the early 2010s. His lyrics reflected life in Toronto, incorporating the nickname as an authentic nod to his city's structure and identity.

He wasn't branding the city, he was speaking it into the mic the way locals spoke it on the streets.

Drake Goes Global

Then came Drake. On his 2015 mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late and later his album Views (From the 6), Drake repeatedly referenced "The Six," using it as a symbol of pride and belonging. His global fanbase quickly caught on.

Unlike a tourist slogan or marketing gimmick, "The Six" emerged from the community, from the creative voices who live in it. That authenticity is what gives the name staying power. Drake may have amplified it, but the roots were already strong.

What "The Six" Means Today

Today, "The Six" is more than slang — it's a civic identity. The name has been embraced by:

• Tourism boards – Promoting "The Six" in campaigns and guides
• Sports teams – The Toronto Six women's hockey team wore it proudly
• Street artists – Murals all over Queen West and Kensington feature "6ix" imagery
• Small businesses – From cafés to clothing lines, it's a branding badge

Just like 808 (Hawaii) or 213 (Los Angeles), "The Six" represents a place, but with a grassroots, bottom-up origin that sets it apart. It wasn't created in a boardroom. It came from the beats, blocks, and boroughs.

Conclusion

So, why is Toronto called The Six?

It starts with numbers: 416 and 647, and geography: six boroughs. But it grows into something more — a symbol of Toronto's resilience, creativity, and community pride. From the lyrics of local rappers to international headlines, "The Six" now represents a united city rooted in real stories.

Next time you hear it, wear it, or say it, know it carries weight. It's not just a nickname. It's Toronto, redefined.

Want more local deep dives and cultural explainers? Subscribe to Toronto Digest and discover the heart of the 6ix every week.