10 U.S. Towns with Names So Weird You Won’t Believe They Exist
Most towns earn their names through careful planning, but some get stuck with something strange because of a joke, a mistake, or a moment no one thought would last. Across the United States, a handful of places carry names that sound fictional but remain very real, shaped by history, coincidence, and human stubbornness.
Ding Dong, Texas
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In the 1930s, a small store in Bell County displayed two bells labeled “Ding” and “Dong” as a joke among locals. The image spread faster than the business itself, and the surrounding community accepted the name.
Zzyzx, California
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Drivers heading through the Mojave Desert often slow down here just to confirm their eyes aren’t playing tricks. Zzyzx was coined in the 1940s by a self-styled health guru who wanted his resort listed last in the dictionary. The resort failed, but the alphabet-defying name stayed bolted to exit signs along Interstate 15.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
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In 1950, the town formerly known as Hot Springs agreed to rename itself after a popular game show in exchange for national airtime. The publicity was effective, and residents retained the name. Today, locals shorten it to “T or C” to make daily life easier.
Hell, Michigan
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Hell, Michigan leans fully into its name. Snowbanks frame souvenir shops, and seasonal signs keep the joke alive year-round. The origin story varies, but one popular account traces the name to 19th-century traders who were paid in whiskey and joked that they would rather go to Hell again than repeat the trip. The town later adopted the legend as part of its identity, especially in winter, when references to Hell “freezing over” become part of the local humor.
Toad Suck, Arkansas
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The Arkansas River played a role in shaping both this place and its unusual name. Riverboat crews waiting for water levels to rise reportedly passed the time drinking nearby, which led locals to joke they “swelled up like toads.” The phrase eventually became an official term.
Whynot, North Carolina
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During a lengthy argument over what to call the community, residents finally agreed on Whynot just to end the debate. The decision still defines the place today. The name reflects a laid-back attitude rather than a gimmick, fitting for a small rural area.
Boring, Oregon
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Despite the name, the story behind this town lacks irony. It was named after pioneer William Harrison Boring. Residents later leaned into the contrast, even forming a sister-town relationship with Dull, Scotland. The setting itself features forests and mountain views far from anything dull.
Accident, Maryland
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Accident, Maryland, earned its name long before it was officially mapped. During 18th-century land surveys, two claims accidentally overlapped, and the label stuck. When the name was formally adopted in the early 1900s, residents treated it as a matter of record rather than a source of humor. Life in the town has always been far more ordinary than the name implies.
Humptulips, Washington
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Travelers often do a double-take when they see the sign. It originates from a Quinault word that describes how difficult the river was to navigate by pole. Over time, English ears reshaped the sound into something far sillier. The town itself remained modest, shaped by its logging history and its location on the Olympic Peninsula.
Satan’s Kingdom, Massachusetts
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The name sounds dramatic, but the setting could not be calmer. This small rural area near the Connecticut River earned its title centuries ago, possibly after violent colonial clashes or a devastating fire that followed a fiery sermon. The contrast between the name and the peaceful surroundings keeps it unforgettable.