Many American cities (e.g. San Francisco, Portland, Seattle) have neighbourhoods called "Nob Hill." One source says that such areas are so named from the British "nob" used as a term of derision for ostentatious wealthy people. Another says the name derives from "nabob" meaning a person of wealth or importance.

In the ancient world, temples were built atop hills. In the modern world, people who can afford the view property live on such heights. No wonder this term connecting locale with wealth is popular.