Have you ever wondered about the strange and unique names of towns across the United States? From Kalamazoo, Michigan to Intercourse, Pennsylvania, some town names can really make you scratch your head. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through the 50 states and uncover the most peculiar, curious, and downright bizarre town names you’ll find.
Alabama – Chicken Foot
This tiny town in Alabama got its name from the shape of the roads leading into it, which resemble a chicken’s foot. The town was likely named this because the unusual road layout made it easy for visitors to get turned around and “lose their way” when trying to find the center of town.
Alaska – Unalaska
Located on one of the Aleutian Islands, Unalaska has a name that is derived from the Aleut language, but its exact meaning is unclear. Some believe it may refer to the nearby volcanoes or the treacherous waters surrounding the island. The town has a long and rich history as a hub for fishing and fur trading.
Arizona – Tombstone
The name of this famous Old West town speaks for itself – Tombstone was founded as a silver mining town in the 1870s. The name is a morbid reference to the town’s violent history, which included notorious gunfights and notorious outlaws. Today, Tombstone is a popular tourist destination that celebrates its Wild West past.
Arkansas – Toad Suck
This small town along the Arkansas River got its name from an unusual legend. Apparently, steamboat workers would stop at this location and “suck on the bottle” until they were “swollen up like toads” – hence the name Toad Suck.
California – Zzyzx
Zzyzx is a census-designated place in the Mojave Desert with a name that is said to be the last word in the English language. It was founded in the 1940s as a health spa, and the unusual name was chosen to make it appear first in alphabetical lists.
Colorado – Dinosaur
The town of Dinosaur, Colorado, is named after the nearby Dinosaur National Monument, which contains thousands of well-preserved dinosaur fossils. The town itself has embraced its prehistoric namesake, with dinosaur statues and references throughout.
Connecticut – Intercourse
While this town name might raise some eyebrows, Intercourse, Connecticut actually refers to the intersection of two roads, not anything more risque. The Puritan settlers who named it were likely unaware of the word’s modern connotations.
Delaware – Slaughter Beach
This small beach town on the Delaware Bay got its grim name from a colonial-era massacre that took place nearby. The violent history has given Slaughter Beach an eerie, foreboding reputation over the years.
Florida – Yeehaw Junction
Yeehaw Junction in south-central Florida was originally a tiny crossroads town. Its quirky name is a nod to the area’s cowboy and cattle ranching heritage, with “yeehaw” being a classic cowboy exclamation.
Georgia – Climax
The town of Climax, Georgia was named after its location at the highest point on the railroad that ran through the area. However, the name has provided endless opportunities for humor and double entendres over the years.
Hawaii – Kaaawa
Kawa on the island of Oahu has one of the longest place names in Hawaii, with 13 letters. The name is of Hawaiian origin, but its exact meaning is unclear. However, it likely refers to the land or local geography in some way.
Idaho – Hamer
Hamer, Idaho, was named after an early settler named Ham. While a normal enough name, “Hamer” has an amusing similarity to the tool used for pounding nails, which has provided plenty of opportunities for jokes.
Illinois – Sandwich
The town of Sandwich, Illinois, was named after the Earl of Sandwich, an English nobleman credited with inventing the modern sandwich. However, the town’s name is still oddly fitting for a place known for its local deli fare.
Indiana – Santa Claus
This Indiana town was originally called Santa Fe, but the name was changed to Santa Claus in the 1850s to capitalize on the town’s association with the famous Christmas icon. Today it’s home to holiday-themed attractions year-round.
Iowa – Cumming
The town of Cumming, Iowa, was named after an early settler named A.B. Cumming. While a normal surname, “Cumming” has provided endless opportunities for juvenile humor and puns over the years in this small Iowa community.
Kansas – Liberal
The town of Liberal, Kansas, was named to reflect the liberal political leanings of its founders. However, the name has taken on a bit of irony over the years as the town has become more conservative.
Kentucky – Monkey’s Eyebrow
This small community in western Kentucky got its unusual name from a local landform that early settlers thought resembled a monkey’s eyebrow. The name has been the source of much bemusement and puzzlement over the years.
Louisiana – Embarrass
The town of Embarrass, Louisiana was likely named for a nearby river that early explorers found “embarrassing” to navigate due to its shallow, rocky conditions. The name has provided plenty of opportunities for humor over the decades.
Maine – Cutler
The coastal town of Cutler, Maine, was named after early settler Amasa Cutler. However, the name has an amusing similarity to the kitchen tool, leading to plenty of corny jokes from locals and visitors alike.
Maryland – Accident
The town of Accident, Maryland, got its name from a land grant issued in 1774 that was labeled as an “accidental” survey. Despite the inauspicious origins, the name has stuck around for centuries.
Massachusetts – Peculiar
The town of Peculiar, Massachusetts, was named as such because its original settlers thought the land was “peculiar” or unusual. The name has lived up to its billing, making Peculiar a rather peculiar place indeed.
Michigan – Kalamazoo
The origins of the name “Kalamazoo” are unclear, but it’s widely acknowledged to be of Native American derivation. Regardless of its meaning, the name’s unusual spelling and pronunciation have made it the butt of many jokes over the years.
Minnesota – Fertile
The town of Fertile, Minnesota was named for the rich, arable land in the area. However, the name has taken on a bit of unintended double meaning over time, leading to occasional innuendo and ribbing from locals.
Mississippi – Establishment
The town of Establishment, Mississippi, was named as such to denote its status as a well-established community. However, the name has an odd, formal sound that sets it apart from more typical town names.
Missouri – Peculiar
Like the town in Massachusetts, Peculiar, Missouri was named for the “peculiar” or unusual nature of the land. The town has fully embraced its strange name over the years.
Montana – Pray
The town of Pray, Montana, was named after an early settler named Charles Pray. While a normal enough surname, the religious connotations of “praying” have led to some lighthearted jokes over the years.
Nebraska – Lovewell
The town of Lovewell, Nebraska, was named after a local rancher named Oliver Lovewell. While a pleasant-sounding name, it has an almost comically romantic ring to it that has provided endless opportunities for teasing.
Nevada – Verdi
The town of Verdi, Nevada, is named after the famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. However, the name’s similarity to the English word “verdy” (meaning greenish-yellow) has led to some amusing mispronunciations and jokes.
New Hampshire – Intercourse
Like the town in Connecticut, Intercourse, New Hampshire, was named for the intersection of two roads, not anything more scandalous. Still, the name never fails to elicit a few giggles.
New Jersey – Loveladies
This seaside community in New Jersey got its unusual name from two early settlers – the Loveland sisters. While an unusual name, it has a quaint, charming quality that fits the coastal locale.
New Mexico – Pie Town
The town of Pie Town, New Mexico, was named for the local pie-baking business that helped put it on the map in the early 20th century. The delicious name has made Pie Town a point of curiosity and humor.
New York – Ding Dong
The tiny hamlet of Ding Dong, New York, was named after the sound of the church bell that used to ring there. It’s an unusually whimsical name that has captured the imagination of many.
North Carolina – Climax
Like the town in Georgia, Climax, North Carolina, was named for its location at the highest point on a nearby railroad. The name’s double meaning has been the source of much amusement over the years.
North Dakota – Oakes
The town of Oakes, North Dakota, was named after a local businessman and landowner named H.C. Oakes. While a normal surname, “Oakes” has an amusing similarity to the tree that provides plenty of opportunities for puns.
Ohio – Knockemstiff
This unincorporated community in southern Ohio got its unusual name from a local legend about a violent man who would “knock ’em stiff” – a macabre bit of folklore that has given Knockemstiff an infamously creepy reputation.
Oklahoma – Okay
The town of Okay, Oklahoma, was named as such to indicate its status as an “okay” or adequate place to live. While a simple name, its casual, lackadaisical tone has made Okay a source of bemusement.
Oregon – Boring
The town of Boring, Oregon, was named after William H. Boring, an early pioneer in the area. However, the name has become ironic over the years, as Boring is anything but dull, with plenty of unique local attractions.
Pennsylvania – Intercourse
Yes, another town named Intercourse – this one in Pennsylvania. Like the others, it was named for the intersection of two roads, not anything more scandalous. The Puritan settlers were likely unaware of the name’s modern implications.
Rhode Island – Woonsocket
The city of Woonsocket, Rhode Island has a name derived from the Native American term “winnesuket” meaning “the place where the rapids are strong.” It’s an unusually long and complex name that has been the source of confusion and mispronunciation for centuries.
South Carolina – Booger Hole
This unincorporated community in South Carolina got its unsavory name from a local legend about a “booger” or supernatural creature that was said to haunt the area. The name has provided plenty of juvenile humor over the years.
South Dakota – Agar
The town of Agar, South Dakota was named after a local landowner, but the name’s similarity to the edible gelatin has led to all sorts of culinary-themed jokes and references over time.
Tennessee – Bat Town
Bat Town, Tennessee, was originally named Murfreesboro but was later changed to reflect the large bat population living in the local caves. While an unusual name, it does accurately describe the town’s quirky natural history.
Texas – Ding Dong
Yes, there’s another Ding Dong in Texas as well! This small community was named after the sound of the church bell that used to ring there, just like its New York counterpart.
Utah – Corinne
The town of Corinne, Utah was named after the wife of one of its founders. While a relatively normal name, its unusual spelling has led to plenty of mispronunciations and head-scratching over the years.
Vermont – Glover
Glover, Vermont, was named after an early settler, John Glover. While a common surname, “Glover” has an old-fashioned, almost comical ring to it that has provided fodder for jokes.
Virginia – Crazytown
The unincorporated community of Crazytown, Virginia lives up to its unusual name. Local lore suggests it was named by early settlers who thought the area was a bit “crazy” or odd.
Washington – Nooksack
The town of Nooksack, Washington, has a name derived from the local Nooksack Native American tribe. The unusual spelling and pronunciation have made it a source of confusion for many.
West Virginia – Red House
The town of Red House, West Virginia, got its name from the distinctive red-painted house that served as an early landmark and meeting place. The vivid color of the structure gave the town its quirky name.
Wisconsin – Spread Eagle
Spread Eagle, Wisconsin, was named after the distinctive shape of the nearby Eagle River. While an odd choice, the name has become a source of amusement and local pride over the years.
Wyoming – Jelm
The town of Jelm, Wyoming, was named after Jelm Mountain, a prominent local landmark. The unusual spelling of the name has led to plenty of mispronunciations and confusion over the years.
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