10 U.S. Towns With Names You Won’t Believe Are Real
These American towns have names so bizarre, you'd think they came from a comedy sketch.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
The United States is full of small towns, but some stand out for their truly strange names. Whether rooted in history, folklore, or just plain odd humor, these places have names that stop travelers in their tracks. From silly to eyebrow-raising, here are 10 real towns with names you’ll never forget.
1. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
SportsGuy789 on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, it’s named after a game show. Originally called Hot Springs, the town changed its name in 1950 as part of a publicity stunt.
2. Boring, Oregon
Chris Phan on Wikimedia Commons
Despite the name, this small town near Portland is anything but dull. It even partnered with Dull, Scotland and Bland, Australia to celebrate their collective lack of excitement.
3. Intercourse, Pennsylvania
GrapedApe on Wikimedia Commons
Located in Amish country, Intercourse is known for its scenic views — and awkward name. Tourists can’t resist snapping photos of the sign.
4. Hell, Michigan
Notorious4life on Wikimedia Commons
This unassuming town leans into the flames with themed attractions and cheeky merchandise. You can literally say you’ve “been to Hell and back."
5. Accident, Maryland
kenficara on Flickr
The name sounds like a punchline, but it’s a real place with a calm, small-town vibe. The story goes that the land was surveyed “by accident,” hence the odd moniker.
6. Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky
Joel Abroad on Flickr
Tucked away in Ballard County, this town’s name is as wild as it sounds. Legend says it was named for a ridge that resembled — you guessed it — a monkey’s eyebrow.
7. Why, Arizona
Ken Lund on Flickr
Originally, a Y-shaped intersection gave the town its name, but highway rules required at least three letters, so “Y” became “Why.” It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of place near the Mexican border.
8. Toad Suck, Arkansas
Jimmy Emerson, DVM on Flickr
Once a steamboat stop, its name supposedly came from rivermen who “sucked on bottles until they swelled up like toads.” Today, it hosts the annual Toad Suck Daze festival.
9. Nothing, Arizona
Skarori on Wikimedi Commosn
It truly lives up to its name — there’s nothing much there. Founded as a tongue-in-cheek attraction, it’s mostly just a sign and a desert now.
10. Chicken, Alaska
J. Stephen Conn on Flickr
This mining town got its name because no one could spell “ptarmigan,” the bird they wanted to honor. Hence, they went with Chicken instead.