Why are there so many ‘First’ banks, churches, etc

Question

You’ll see banks called “First National Bank of X”, or the “First Baptist Church of Y”. A bank or church, with the exact same name, will also exist somewhere else. I live and have traveled all over the US (specifically the Bible Belt) for years now and I’ve noticed this trend.

What gives? Maybe the answer is really obvious and I can’t put it together.

Edit: How come you almost never see the “Second National Bank/Church of X/Y”?

In: Other

Answer 1

There aren’t many “Second Bank” or “Second Baptist Church” because … who would want to? I mean, kind of obvious maybe?

But I have seen a few “Second” banks and churches in my life, and even (I don’t remember where) a “Third Baptist” somewhere.