Lisa O.
The United States is home to thousands of cities and towns, each with its own unique character. Some of these places, however, stand out for their truly bizarre names. Whether they’re the result of translation, local humor, or historical quirks, these cities have names that are sure to make you do a double-take. Here are 15 of the weirdest American town and community names that are as memorable as they are strange!
Boring, Oregon
The town, located just outside of Portland, was named after William H. Boring, a Civil War veteran who settled in the area in the late 1800s. Although the name might suggest otherwise, the community has a lively spirit and a good sense of humor about its moniker. Boring has even partnered with Dull, Scotland, and Bland, Australia, to form the “League of Extraordinary Communities,” celebrating their not-so-exciting names with annual “Boring & Dull Day” events.
Hell, Michigan
Hell is a small, unincorporated community in Michigan that has fully embraced its devilish name. While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, one popular story suggests that early settlers, struggling with the swampy, mosquito-infested land, jokingly called the place “Hell.” Another theory is that the name comes from a German phrase “So schön hell,” meaning “so beautifully bright,” which a German traveler might have exclaimed upon seeing the area.
Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Despite its suggestive name, Intercourse is a quiet Amish town in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The name often raises eyebrows, but it has nothing to do with the modern meaning of the word. Instead, it refers to an older usage where “intercourse” referred to social interaction and fellowship. Originally named Cross Keys, the town adopted its current name in 1814 when a popular local race track intersected two major roads. Today, Intercourse is a popular tourist destination.
Ding Dong, Texas
Ding Dong is a small, unincorporated community in Bell County, Texas, with a name that’s as quirky as it is memorable. The town’s name originated in the 1930s when a local merchant, Zulis Bell, decided to open a store. He hired a painter to create a sign featuring two bells (a playful nod to his surname) with the words “Ding” and “Dong” written underneath. The sign became so popular that the community adopted the name Ding Dong.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Originally known as Hot Springs, this New Mexico town decided to change its name in 1950 after a popular radio show called Truth or Consequences offered to broadcast its 10th-anniversary episode from the first town willing to adopt the show’s name. The residents of Hot Springs voted to make the change, and the town has been Truth or Consequences ever since.
Chicken, Alaska
Chicken, Alaska, is a remote and tiny town with a name that often causes a chuckle. The town was established during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century, and its founders wanted to name it after the ptarmigan, a local bird that resembles a chicken. However, they couldn’t agree on the correct spelling of “ptarmigan,” and rather than risk embarrassment, they opted for the simpler name “Chicken.” Today, the town is a popular stop for adventurous travelers exploring Alaska’s wilderness.
Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky
Monkey’s Eyebrow is a small, unincorporated community in Ballard County, Kentucky, with a name as odd as it is intriguing. The origins of the name are somewhat of a mystery, but local legend has it that the town’s location on a ridge resembling an eyebrow when viewed on a map led to its curious name. The “monkey” part of the name remains unexplained, adding to the town’s mysterious charm.
Tightwad, Missouri
Tightwad, Missouri, is a small town with a name that suggests frugality, and it comes with a funny backstory. According to local legend, the town’s name originated from an incident involving a local storekeeper who charged a customer extra for a watermelon, leading the disgruntled customer to call him a “tightwad.” The name stuck, and the town has embraced its reputation for penny-pinching ever since.
Toad Suck, Arkansas
Toad Suck, Arkansas, is a small community with a name that’s as strange as it is memorable. The name is believed to have originated from riverboat crews who would stop at a local tavern and “suck” on bottles of whiskey until they were as bloated as toads. While the town itself is small, Toad Suck has gained recognition for its annual Toad Suck Daze festival, a family-friendly event featuring live music, food, and toad races.
Booger Hole, West Virginia
Booger Hole, West Virginia, is a ghost town with a name that’s both eerie and intriguing. The name “Booger” is an old Appalachian term for a ghost or spirit, and Booger Hole certainly has a spooky past. In the early 1900s, the town was plagued by a series of unsolved murders and disappearances, leading locals to believe the area was haunted. Fearful residents eventually fled the town, leaving Booger Hole abandoned.
Why, Arizona
Why, Arizona, is a small community with a name that prompts a simple question: Why? The town was named after a Y-shaped intersection of highways that originally formed the letter “Y.” However, Arizona law required town names to have at least three letters, so the name “Why” was chosen instead. Despite its odd name, Why is a gateway to the stunning Sonoran Desert and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Nothing, Arizona
The town was founded in 1977 by a group of optimistic entrepreneurs who hoped to create a thriving community in the desert. Unfortunately, their plans didn’t pan out, and the town was soon abandoned. All that remains today is a crumbling gas station and a sign that reads, “The staunch citizens of Nothing are full of hope, faith, and belief in the work ethic. Thru the years, these dedicated people had faith in Nothing, hoped for Nothing, worked at Nothing, for Nothing.”
Cut and Shoot, Texas
Cut and Shoot, Texas is a small town with a wild name and an even wilder origin story. The town’s name dates back to a church dispute in 1912 that escalated to the point where one local reportedly exclaimed, “I’m going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes in a minute!” The phrase stuck, and the town was forever known as Cut and Shoot.
Hooker, Oklahoma
Hooker, Oklahoma, is a small town with a name that often raises eyebrows, but the story behind it is entirely innocent. The town was named after John “Hooker” Threlkeld, a respected cattleman who was instrumental in the town’s founding. Despite the name’s modern connotations, Hooker has embraced its moniker with good humor. The town’s slogan, “It’s a location, not a vocation,” is proudly displayed on signs and merchandise, turning what could be an awkward name into a point of pride.
Burns Down, South Carolina
Burns Down is a tiny, largely forgotten community in South Carolina with a name that sparks curiosity. The origin of the name is unclear, but it’s believed that the town may have suffered from a series of devastating fires, leading to its evocative name. While little remains of the original settlement, the name “Burns Down” serves as a haunting reminder of the town’s troubled past.
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