50+ Funny American Town Names You Must Know!

Funny Town Names in America
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Ever been on a road trip, and suddenly, a signboard makes you do a double-take? From the whimsically wacky to the downright hilarious, America’s map is sprinkled with town names that seem straight out of a comedy script. 

Imagine telling someone you live in “No Name” or taking a detour through “Why Not!”. Let’s dive into this laugh-packed journey, exploring some of the funniest American town names that guarantee a smile. 

Whether you’re a geography geek or just in for some lighthearted fun, you’re in for a treat! 

Funny American Town Names

Funny Town Names in America infographic - Names crunch

The U.S. has many towns with names that make people smile. These funny names often come from old stories, unique places, or just someone’s imagination. 

They give a fun twist to any map and are a treat for travelers and trivia fans.

Here are some of the most standout names:

1. Accident, Maryland:

The accident got its name from a relatively innocuous event. In the mid-1700s, Lord Baltimore opened parts of Western Maryland for settlement.

Two surveyors, Mr. Deakins and Mr. Lynn, were each granted the right to claim a tract of land as payment for their services. By “accident,” both chose the same tract.

Deakins subsequently named his survey “The Accident Tract.

2. Boring, Oregon

Boring is named after its founder, William H. Boring, a Union soldier and farmer. He settled in the region in the late 19th century.

Despite the play on words that makes it sound mundane, it was simply a matter of naming the area after a prominent local figure.

3. Why, Arizona:
The town’s name is derived from the original “Y” junction of State Routes 85 and 86.

Arizona law required place names to have at least three letters, so the town’s founders named it “Why” as a play on the shape of the original junction.

4. Whynot, Mississippi:

As local lore goes, residents were trying to decide on a name for the town.

During their discussion, one resident suggested, “Why not name it Whynot and let’s go home?” The humorous suggestion stuck.

5. Rough and Ready, California:

This town’s unique name goes back to the California Gold Rush. It was named after President Zachary Taylor’s nickname, “Old Rough and Ready.

Taylor got this moniker from his straightforward, no-nonsense leadership style during the Mexican-American War.

6. Ding Dong, Texas:

Funny Small Town Names in the USA

In Bell County (another bell reference!), a famous blacksmith named Zulis Bell and his nephew, Bert Bell.

They commissioned a sign with two bells on it, and beneath one bell, it read “Zulis” and under the other, “Bert.” The painter then added “Ding Dong” below them.

This became a landmark that eventually lent its name to the community.

7. Intercourse, Pennsylvania:

Intercourse was established in 1754.

The word “intercourse” was commonly used in the 18th century to describe the “fellowship” and “social interaction and support” shared in the community of faith, which was much a part of a rural village.

The town was a crossroads and the hub where people gathered, leading to its unique name.

8. Toad Suck, Arkansas:

The story goes that long ago, steamboats traveled the Arkansas River.

When the water was too shallow, boatmen would moor near this Conway County rock to wait for the river to rise.

They’d head to the local tavern, and residents commented that they “sucked on the bottle ’til they swelled up like toads.”

9. Cool, Texas:

There’s no definitive history on why the town was named Cool.

However, there’s something inherently intriguing about a town with such a relaxed and universally positive adjective as its name.

10. Fries, Virginia:

Fries was named in honor of Colonel Francis Henry Fries, a textile businessman.

He funded the construction of a cotton mill around which the town grew in the early 20th century.

11. Two Egg, Florida:

During the Great Depression, times were tough. Local lore says residents often trade two eggs for a sugar package at the general store.

The name is a testament to those challenging times and the bartering system that became essential for survival.

12. Chicken, Alaska:

Miners in the late 1800s named it Chicken because they couldn’t agree on the spelling of ptarmigan, a bird native to the area and a common meal for them.

13. Lick Fork, Virginia:

The name comes from a nearby stream called Lick Fork Creek.

Historically, a “lick” was a salt spring or salt lick, where animals come to lick the ground for the mineral content.

14. Sandwich, Massachusetts:

This town on Cape Cod was named in 1637 after Sandwich, a historic town in Kent, England.

The English town’s name dates back to Roman times, with “Sandwich” likely meaning “market town on sandy soil.”

15. Sweet Lips, Tennessee:

The story goes that the name was given by Civil War soldiers who were taken by the “sweet” water from a nearby creek they drank from.

They referred to it as Sweet Lips Creek, and the name eventually transferred to the town itself.

16. Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky:

One theory suggests that when viewed from a nearby hill, the town’s layout resembles the profile of a monkey’s face, with a particular bend in the road corresponding to its eyebrow.

17. Normal, Illinois:

The name originated from Illinois State Normal University, a teacher’s college (or a “normal school”).

Normal” refers to a standard or model, specifically, a school to train teachers in educational standards.

Funny Town Names in North America

18. Nothing, Arizona:

The founders named the tiny settlement, who humorously asserted that there was “nothing” there, playing on its isolated, sparse location.

19. Hell, Michigan:

There are several folklore explanations for this name, but one popular tale is that German travelers stepped out of their coach one sunny afternoon, and one said,

So schön hell!” which means “So beautifully bright!” Residents took a liking to the name, and it eventually just became “Hell.”

20. Peculiar, Missouri:

In the 1860s, postmaster Edgar Thomson sent several name choices to the U.S. Postal Service, all already in use.

Exasperated, he allegedly wrote to them, “I don’t care what name you give me, so long as it is sort of ‘peculiar.'” The department took him at his word.

21. Looneyville, Texas:

This community was named after John Looney, an early settler who opened a store there in the 1870s.

22. Zigzag, Oregon:

Named for the Zigzag River, which winds in a zigzag course down from Mount Hood. The name was reportedly given to the river by early pioneers.

23. Hooker, Oklahoma:

No lurid background here! The town was named in honor of John “Hooker” Threlkeld, a prominent local rancher.

24. Cut and Shoot, Texas:

Originated from a 1912 community confrontation, which almost led to violence.

A boy at the scene supposedly said, “I’m going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes in a minute,” capturing the heightened emotions of the day.

25. Santa Claus, Indiana:

The town was originally called Santa Fe, but when they applied for a post office, they were told to choose another name because Santa Fe was already taken.

They settled on Santa Claus; today, they fully embrace the Christmas spirit year-round.

26. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico:

Originally named “Hot Springs,” the town changed in 1950 in response to a challenge from a popular radio show titled “Truth or Consequences.

The host promised to broadcast the show from the first town that renamed itself after the program, and Hot Springs obliged.

27. What Cheer, Iowa:

The town’s peculiar name supposedly comes from an old English greeting.

When the town’s founder, Joseph Andrews, suggested “New Jerusalem” for its name, it wasn’t well-received. Instead, a local coal miner reportedly exclaimed, “What cheer?” and the name was adopted.

28. Spread Eagle, Wisconsin:

The Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes is a collection of ten lakes from which the town derives its name.

The image of an eagle in flight provided by these waters is topographical and symbolizes freedom and the natural beauty of Wisconsin’s landscapes.

29. Embarrass, Minnesota:

When the early French explorers traversed the region, they found the river’s erratic currents hard to navigate. “Embarras” translates to “obstacle” or “hindrance” in French.

The town’s name is a historical nod to these early exploration challenges.

30. Knockemstiff, Ohio:

Beyond the tavern brawl story, Knockemstiff has sparked curiosity for decades.

Despite its small size and remote location, its unique name has been a source of local pride and intrigue, helping it remain a point of interest.

31. Dinosaur, Colorado:

Originally named Artesia, the town’s proximity to Dinosaur National Monument, a site rich in prehistoric fossils, presented an opportunity.

Changing its name in the 1960s, Dinosaur embraced its paleontological heritage, even giving its streets dinosaur-themed names.

32. Frankenstein, Missouri:

While popular culture might make one think of the classic horror tale, the town’s history is far less eerie.

Gottfried Franken’s kindness in donating land for a church anchored the town’s origins in community spirit and generosity.

33. Frostbite, Tennessee:

Its humorous name aside, Frostbite is a testament to the region’s challenging climate.

Residents here are no strangers to heavy winter snows and freezing temperatures; the name perfectly captures that essence.

34. Last Chance, Colorado:

Its evocative name suggests a frontier spirit.

Located at the crossroads of two major highways, it historically served as a final stop for travelers before entering the vast expanses of Colorado’s plains and deserts.

35. Boring, Maryland:

Despite the name, Boring isn’t a dull place.

Rooted in its history, the name ironically has given the town more attention and even led to a “sister community” relationship with Dull, Scotland.

36. No Name, Colorado:

The naming story of No Name highlights the sometimes haphazard way towns can be christened. Over the years, despite opportunities to change it, locals have embraced the uniqueness of their town’s moniker.

37. Dead Horse, Alaska:

This name paints a vivid picture of the harsh conditions and challenges faced during the early days of exploration and settlement.

The horse’s unfortunate end became symbolic of the town’s rugged history.

38. Bacon, Indiana:

Many would love a gastronomic explanation, but Bacon’s origin is more mundane.

Still, it showcases the importance of individual settlers in the naming and forming of many American towns.

39. Climax, Georgia:

While the name suggests a peak or culmination, its railroad history is a testament to the importance of transportation in shaping towns.

Being the highest point made it crucial for locomotive operations.

40. Fleatown, Ohio:

Names often serve as windows into a town’s past.

Fleatown might hint at challenges faced by early settlers, illustrating the struggles of establishing a community in new territories.

41. Hazard, Nebraska:

Rather than suggesting danger, the name signifies the importance of the railroad in America’s westward expansion, highlighting the individuals who were instrumental in its development.

42. Hungry Horse, Montana:

Beyond its amusing imagery, the name reflects the hardy spirit of the region’s inhabitants and the often harsh conditions of Montana’s wild landscapes.

43. Odd, West Virginia:

Names like “Odd” showcase the quirkiness that can emerge from local tales and landmarks.

It’s a nod to the town’s individuality, whether a uniquely shaped pond or another origin.

44. Okay, Oklahoma:

Small towns often have personal histories embedded in their names.

Okay’s origin, linked to its founder’s initials, blends personal history and wordplay.

45. Ordinary, Virginia:

Names can also hint at social hubs and gathering places.

Ordinaries” were essential in colonial times, and the town’s name is a testament to Virginia’s rich history.

46. Pecan Gap, Texas:

The landscape often plays a defining role in naming. Pecan Gap’s name points to its natural features and the significance of pecan trees in southern culture.

47. Ransomville, New York:

Like many towns, Ransomville’s name is a tribute to its early inhabitants.

Family names becoming town names highlight certain individuals or families’ foundational role in a community’s inception.

48. Slapout, Alabama:

Stories passed down through generations can crystallize into town names.

Whether rooted in truth or embellished over time, they reflect the character and humor of local communities.

49. Sweet Grass, Montana:

Names rooted in native flora showcase the beauty and significance of local ecosystems.

Sweet Grass points to both the region’s natural heritage and indigenous traditions.

50. Tightwad, Missouri:

Tales of everyday events or disputes can sometimes take on larger-than-life significance.

Tightwad’s anecdotal origin serves as a light-hearted reminder of the moments that can unexpectedly shape history.

For more funny names, Check out our blogs about:

Funny Town Names in North America

North America, comprising the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is a vast continent filled with bustling cities and sleepy towns.

However, some town names stand out amidst the urban giants and rustic charms for their humorous appeal. 

Here are some amusing town names scattered across North America:

  • Crotch Lake, Ontario, Canada
  • Dildo, Newfoundland, Canada
  • Happy Adventure, Newfoundland, Canada
  • Vulcan, Alberta, Canada
  • Stoner, British Columbia, Canada
  • Ball’s Falls, Ontario, Canada
  • Punkeydoodles Corners, Ontario, Canada
  • Blow Me Down, Newfoundland, Canada
  • Bacon, Virginia, USA
  • Beer Bottle Crossing, Idaho, USA
  • Oatmeal, Texas, USA
  • Hot Coffee, Mississippi, USA
  • Cat Elbow Corner, New York, USA
  • Yawn, Mississippi, USA
  • Titty Hill, Sussex, England (part of the North American continent)
  • Left Hand, West Virginia, USA
  • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, Canada
  • Mosquitoville, Vermont, USA
  • Good Grief, Idaho, USA
  • Hopeulikit, Georgia, USA
  • Monkey’s Eyebrow, Arizona, USA
  • Cow Head, Newfoundland, Canada
  • Booger Hole, West Virginia, USA
  • Shoulderblade, Kentucky, USA
  • Spuzzum, British Columbia, Canada
  • Nothing, Arizona, USA
  • Cabbage Patch, California, USA
  • Cheesequake, New Jersey, USA
  • Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, USA
  • Big Beaver, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Come By Chance, Newfoundland, Canada
  • Searchmont, Ontario, Canada
  • Lonelyville, New York, USA
  • Tweeksville, New Hampshire, USA
  • Halfway, Oregon, USA

Check out these Funny Park Names

Funny Small Town Names in the USA

The charm of small-town America is undeniable.

Quiet streets, close-knit communities, and town names that often have a backstory filled with local legends or interesting etymology. Sometimes, these names even bring a smile to our faces. 

Check out these amusing small-town names that you probably never knew existed:

  • Coolville, Ohio
  • Fluffy Landing, Florida
  • Handsome Eddy, New York
  • Hygiene, Colorado
  • Knockemstiff, Ohio
  • Pie Town, New Mexico
  • Possum Grape, Arkansas
  • Sopchoppy, Florida
  • Waterproof, Louisiana
  • What Cheer, Iowa
  • Zzyzx, California
  • Bucksnort, Tennessee
  • Chunky, Mississippi
  • Coupon, Pennsylvania
  • Embarrass, Wisconsin
  • Humptulips, Washington
  • Krypton, Kentucky
  • Mud Lick, Kentucky
  • Notus, Idaho
  • Toad Suck, Arkansas
  • Lick Skillet, Tennessee
  • Three Way, Arizona
  • Unalaska, Alaska
  • Volcano, Hawaii
  • Worms, Nebraska
  • Bummerville, California
  • Kickapoo, Kansas
  • Ruckersville, Virginia
  • Smackover, Arkansas
  • Tick Bite, North Carolina

Conclusion

In all its vastness, America certainly knows how to keep things interesting with its array of uniquely named towns. From the intriguing to the outright hilarious, each name tells a story.

If you ever feel the itch to embark on a road trip, consider making a game out of visiting these amusingly named places. 

And if you’re short on time, starting with “Chicken, Alaska“, “Dildo, Newfoundland,” and “Pie Town, New Mexico” might be the laugh-filled journey you need.

Safe travels, and may your journeys be as amusing as these town names!


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Ashley Cormier - NamesCrunch
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Ashley Cormier, the author and lead editor at NamesCrunch, combines exceptional storytelling skills with a keen editorial eye. With a commitment to high-quality standards, Ashley crafts captivating narratives and ensures our collection of funny names is both entertaining and well-crafted. Get ready to be delighted by her literary expertise!

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