Actually, i think it’s the other way around right now. SSN classes are are State names, i.e., Virginal class - SSN USS North Dakota, etc. Boomers are city named. i.e., SSBN USS Minneapolis. The conventions seem to change with the times.
Heh - Virginal class. That unintentionally came out pretty funny, since there are young ladies going on subs now. (supposed to be “Virginia class SSNs.”)
Depends on the Ships Class.
Naming convention varies by class.
Prior to the 688 class, fast attacks were named after fish.
688s were named after cities Virginia class are named after states.
Some classes are one offs like Narwhal, Bergal and Seawolf
My son was on a sub.. the USS Augusta a Fast Attack Los Angeles class... City names are Fast attack subs and Boomers are named for states