Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, and software for server-side path reference. One server-side path reference embodiment in the form of a method includes receiving a request for a specific content item, such as a user interface or document, via a network interface device from a requestor. This method may then retrieve, from a navigation history data store, path reference recommendation data with regard to the specific content item. The retrieved path reference recommendation data typically identifies at least one destination most commonly navigated to from the specific content item within web application sessions. The method then transmits the retrieved path reference recommendation data with data of the specific content item to the requestor.