The Weirdest Place Names Around The World
Embark on a Journey Through the World's Weirdest Place Names
Have you ever stumbled upon a town or city name that made you do a double-take? Welcome to the fascinating world of weird place names! From the United States to Australia, and even some unique spots that defy categorization, this article explores the weirdest place names you'll ever encounter. Whether it's a place called "Hell" in Michigan or a village in Australia named "1770," these names are sure to bring a smile to your face or leave you scratching your head in wonder.
As you scroll through, you'll find sections dedicated to different parts of the world, each adorned with the colors of the respective country's flag. And don't forget to check out our Top 11 list at the bottom of the article for a quick rundown of the absolute weirdest!
Weirdest Place Names in the United States
- Bat Cave, North Carolina
- Bigfoot, Texas
- Bugscuffle, Tennessee
- Hell, Michigan
- Looneyville, Texas
- Normal, Illinois
- Odd, West Virginia
- Toad Suck, Arkansas
- Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico
- Why, Arizona
- Two Buttes, Colorado
- Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
- Ypsilanti, Michigan
Weirdest Place Names in Australia
- 1770, Queensland
- Useless Loop, Western Australia
- Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
- Nowhere Else, Tasmania
Weirdest Place Names in the United Kingdom
- Upperthong, West Yorkshire
- Dull, Scotland
- Nob End, UK
- Chew Moor, UK
- Muff, Ireland
- Kilkenny, Ireland
Weirdest Place Names in Other Countries
- Apocalypse Peaks, Antarctica
- Batman, Turkey
- Ogre, Latvia
- Purves, Multiple Countries
- Dead Chinaman, Gulf, Papua New Guinea
- Gogogogo, Madagascar
- Waikikamukau, New Zealand
- Useless Loop, Western Australia
- 1770, Queensland, Australia
- Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- Nowhere Else, Tasmania, Australia
- Upperthong, West Yorkshire, UK
- Dull, Scotland, UK
Unique Weird Place Names
- Dead Chinaman, Gulf, Papua New Guinea
- Gogogogo, Madagascar
- Waikikamukau, New Zealand
- My Large Intestine, Texas, USA
- No Name, Colorado, USA
- Nowhere Else, Tasmania, Australia
- Useless Loop, Western Australia
- 1770, Queensland, Australia
- Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- Zig Zag, Oregon, USA
1. Nob End, Bolton, UK.
Nob End: The Place with a Name that Makes You Do a Double Take
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| The Top 10 Weirdest Place Names in the World. Nob End |
2. Punxsutawney, USA
Punxsutawney is located in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a small borough with a population of just over 5,000 people. Punxsutawney is best known for its annual Groundhog Day celebration, which takes place on February 2nd. On this day, Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog, is said to predict the weather for the rest of the winter.
The name Punxsutawney comes from the Lenape Indian word "Ponksutenink," which means "town of the sand flies." The Lenape were the first inhabitants of the area that is now Punxsutawney.
3. Ypsilanti, USA
Ypsilanti: The City with a Name that Ties Your Tongue in Knots
Welcome to Ypsilanti, Michigan! Yes, you heard it right. Ypsilanti. This isn't a joke, it's a real place, and it's as tongue-twisting as you might imagine.
Nestled in Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti is a city that's as unique as its name. It's located on the Huron River, about 15 miles west of Ann Arbor, making it the perfect day trip if you're looking for a "weird place names" adventure. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Michigan countryside while practicing your pronunciation skills.
Ypsilanti was named after Demetrius Ypsilantis, a Greek general who led the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. So, whether you're thinking of a heroic general or a picturesque city, Ypsilanti is sure to bring a smile to your face.
The correct pronunciation of Ypsilanti is IP-sil-AN-tee. It's the kind of name that makes you sound like you're speaking in code. And for those who prefer to keep things simple, it's commonly shortened to Ypsi.
If you're ever in Michigan and looking for an adventure, why not take a detour to Ypsilanti? It's a place that's sure to provide a story that will make your friends chuckle. Just remember, in Ypsilanti, it's all about enjoying the simple things in life - like the view of the Huron River.
4. Chew Moor, Bolton, UK
Chew Moor: The Village with a Name that Makes You Hungry
Welcome to Chew Moor, Bolton! Yes, you heard it right. Chew Moor. This isn't a joke, it's a real place, and it's as appetizing as you might imagine.
Nestled in Bolton, Greater Manchester, Chew Moor is a village that's as unique as its name. It's located about 10 miles west of Bolton, making it the perfect day trip if you're looking for a "tasty" adventure. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the English countryside while suppressing a giggle at the village's name.
Chew Moor got its name from the Chew Moor Brook, which flows through the area. The name of the brook is a combination of the Old English words "cēo" (cow) and "mōr" (moor). This suggests that the area was once used for grazing cattle. So, whether you're thinking of a juicy steak or a picturesque meadow, Chew Moor is sure to bring a smile to your face.
And the best part? Bolton is known for its weirdly named places. Nob End as mentioned above is one of them! So, if you're ever in Bolton and looking for an adventure, why not take a detour to Chew Moor? It's a place that's sure to provide a story that will make your friends chuckle. Just remember, in Chew Moor, it's all about enjoying the simple things in life - like the view of the Chew Moor Brook and the sound of your own laughter!
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| The Top 10 Weirdest Place Names in the World. Chew Moor |
5. Muff, Ireland.
Muff: The Village with a Name that Warms Your Hands and Tickles Your Funny Bone
Welcome to Muff, Ireland! Yes, you heard it right. Muff. This isn't a joke, it's a real place, and it's as cheeky as you might imagine.
Nestled in County Donegal, Muff is a village and townland that's as unique as its name. It's located near the mouth of the River Foyle, where it flows into Lough Foyle, and sits close to the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Irish countryside while suppressing a giggle at the village's name.
Now, here's the fun part - the name Muff is derived from the Irish word "Magh", meaning plain. The village was originally called "Magh na Mhada", which translates to "Plain of the Meadows". Over time, the name was shortened to "Muff". We can only imagine the town meeting that led to that decision!
And the best part? A muff is a warm tubular covering for the hands, typically made of fur or fabric with both ends open. It's also a slang term for the female pubic area. So, whether you're thinking of a hand warmer or something a bit more risqué, Muff is sure to bring a smile to your face.
So, if you're ever in Ireland and looking for an adventure, why not take a detour to Muff? It's a place that's sure to provide a story that will make your friends chuckle. Just remember, in Muff, it's all about enjoying the simple things in life - like the view of the River Foyle and the sound of your own laughter!
6. Kilkenny, Ireland.
Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Kilkenny is a city that's as unique as its name. It's one of the top 11 weirdest place names in the world, and it's proud of it. It's built on both banks of the River Nore, so you're literally living the high life in Kilkenny.
Now, here's the fun part - Kilkenny is a tourist destination. Yes, a tourist destination with a name that sounds like a punchline. It's the kind of place where you can visit historic buildings like Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral, and Rothe House, all while suppressing a giggle at the city's name.
And the best part? Kilkenny is also known for its craft and design workshops, the Watergate Theatre, public gardens, and museums. It's like a cultural hub with a sense of humor. Plus, it hosts annual events like the Kilkenny Arts Festival, the Cat Laughs comedy festival, and music at the Kilkenny Roots Festival. It's the only place in the world where you can say "I'm going to Kilkenny for the Cat Laughs" and actually mean it.
If you ever find yourself traveling to Ireland and looking for an adventure, why not take a detour to Kilkenny? It's a place that's sure to provide a story that will make your friends chuckle. Just remember, in Kilkenny, it's all about enjoying the simple things in life - like the view of the River Nore and the sound of your own laughter! And yes, it does remind us of South Park!
7. Purves.
Yes, you heard it right. Purves. This isn't a joke, it's a real place, and it's as peculiar as you might imagine.
Now, you might be thinking, "Wait, did he say Purves? As in, more than one?" Yes, indeed! There are several places named Purves, making it a global phenomenon of bizarre place names.
Purves, Texas
First, we have Purves, Texas, an unincorporated community in Erath County, Texas. It's the kind of place where the tumbleweeds might outnumber the residents.
Purves, New Zealand
Next, we have Purves, New Zealand, a small town in the Otago region of New Zealand. It's the kind of place where the sheep might give you a suspicious look as you pass by.
Purves, Scotland
And finally, we have Purves, Scotland, a village in the Scottish Borders. It's the kind of place where the local pub might be the most happening spot in town.
Now, here's the kicker - the village of Purves, Scotland was named after the surname Purves, which is an occupational surname, meaning the person responsible for obtaining supplies for a household or monastery. It's derived from the Middle English 'purveys' (meaning "provisions" or "supplies"), from the Old French 'porveoir' ("to provide, supply"). So, it's not as scandalous as you might think.
However, despite its innocent origins, one can't help but chuckle at the name. I mean, who wouldn't want to live in a place called Purves? Well, for obvious reasons, it might not be everyone's first choice. But hey, it's sure to give you a story to tell at parties!
8. Two Buttes, Colorado, USA
Welcome to Two Buttes, Colorado! Yes, you heard it right. Two Buttes. This isn't a prank, it's a real place, and it's as bizarre as you might imagine.
Nestled in Baca County, Colorado, Two Buttes is a town that's as unique as its name. It's one of the weirdest named places in the world, and it's proud of it. It's located at an elevation of 4,108 feet, so you're literally living the high life in Two Buttes.
Now, here's the fun part - Two Buttes has a population of 43. Yes, 43. Not 430. Not 4,300. Just 43. It's like a private club where everyone knows everyone. It's the kind of place where you can't sneeze without someone saying "bless you" from across town.
And the best part? The town is named after the two prominent buttes located nearby. That's right, they saw two buttes and thought, "Yep, that's a good name for a town." You've got to admire their straightforwardness.
So, if you're ever in Colorado and looking for an adventure, why not take a detour to Two Buttes? It's a place that's sure to provide a story that will make your friends chuckle. Just remember, in Two Buttes, it's all about enjoying the simple things in life - like the view of two buttes!
9. Gay. Michigan, USA
Welcome to Gay, Michigan! Yes, you heard it right. Gay. This isn't a joke, it's a real place, and it's as fabulous as you might imagine.
Nestled in Keweenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan, Gay is an unincorporated community that's as unique as its name. It's located 12 miles from Lake Linden on Copper Island at the western end of the Upper Peninsula. Now, you might be wondering, "What's an unincorporated community?" Well, it's a place that's too cool for things like legally recognized boundaries or population statistics. It's like the rebel of the town world, refusing to conform to the norms of city life.
Now, here's the kicker - Gay doesn't have a population. That's right, it's a town without townsfolk. But don't let that fool you, Gay is very much alive and kicking. It's the Schrödinger's cat of towns - it both exists and doesn't exist at the same time.
And the best part? Gay has its own bar & Grill! That's right, in the middle of this weird place name town, you'll find a place to kick back, enjoy a cold one, and maybe even engage in some lively banter with the locals (if you can find them).
So, if you're ever in Michigan and looking for an adventure, why not take a detour to Gay? It's a place that's sure to provide a story that will make your friends chuckle. Just remember, in Gay, it's all about having a good time!
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| The Top 10 Weirdest Place Names in the World. Gay |
10. Anus, France
Brace yourselves for a journey to a place that's sure to make you giggle like a school kid in a health class. Welcome to Anus, France! Yes, you read that right. Anus. This is not a typo, nor a prank. It's a real place, and it's located in the picturesque region of Burgundy, France, within the commune of Fouronnes. It's about 200 kilometers east of Paris, making it the perfect day trip if you're looking for a "cheeky" adventure.
Now, before you start snickering too much, let's delve into the history of this weird place name. The name Anus is derived from the Latin word "anus," which means "ring" or "circle." So, it's not as scandalous as you might think. The town was originally named Annonciae, which means "announcement." But in the 12th century, someone decided that Anus was a better fit. We can only imagine the town meeting that led to that decision!
So, if you're ever in France and want to add a little humor to your trip, why not take a detour to Anus? It's a place that's sure to give you a story to tell, and let's be honest, who wouldn't want a selfie with the town sign? Just remember to keep your jokes tasteful - after all, the residents of Anus have probably heard them all before!
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| The Top 10 Weirdest Place Names in the World - Anus, France |
11. Batman, Turkey
There are many more names of places that could be added to this list. Do you know any?