Try not to laugh!
Why? No name? You won’t believe these US towns are called that!
America is home to some truly unique town names… You know, some are charming, some are also confusing , but then again, some make you wonder what exactly the founders were thinking. For example, is Unalaska trying to fly solo? Whether inspired by accidents, geography, or a bit of a je-ne-sais-quoi , these towns prove that creativity knows no bounds. Try to pick a favorite!
Image: Jeremy Adams
1
Unalaska, Alaska
Despite what the name suggests, Unalaska is not trying to break away from the rest of the state. The town’s name comes from Agunalaksh , the original name given by the Unangan people. Over time, spelling and pronunciation changes led to the simplified version: Unalaska.
In the late 1800s, the US Board on Geographic Names made it official, but don’t worry, it’s just the name; the beauty is certainly Alaskan!
Image: Hari Nandakumar
2
Why, Arizona
If you’ve ever asked yourself "Why?", you might be thinking too hard. This Arizona town got its name because of a simple road design: State Routes 85 and 86 originally met in a Y-shape.
When it was time to name the community, the locals wanted to call it Y (yes, you read that right), but Arizona law required town names to have at least three letters. So, they got creative and went with Why. Why, right?
Image: Kaileen Fitzpatrick
3
No Name, Colorado
What do you call a town when you just can’t decide on a name? Apparently, (and logically, if we might say so), No Name. The story goes that when developers were working on Interstate 70, they left the town’s exit sign blank.
A transportation official later labeled it "No Name", and the locals decided to go with it . State officials tried to rename the area, but the people weren’t having it. They simply loved it!
Image: Rich Martello
4
Burnt Store, Florida
The name Burnt Store sounds like something out of a Wild West showdown, and the real story (or the legend, actually) isn’t too far off, you know?
Legend has it that in 1849, a trading post on the Peace River was burned to the ground after an attack. The store’s manager, George Payne, had dealings with the Seminole Indians before he was killed in an ambush. Shortly after, the store itself was destroyed. The tragic event left a permanent mark on the town’s history and its name.
Image: Done By Alex
5
Santa Claus, Indiana
Originally called Santa Fe, this town located in Indiana had to change its name when officials discovered another Santa Fe already existed in the state.
People saw this as an opportunity, and instead of picking something new and extraordinary, they went all in on holiday spirit and became Santa Claus in 1856.
The town fully embraces its Christmas identity; it has attractions like Holiday World, Lake Rudolph Campground, and Frosty’s Fun Center. If you love the holidays, this is the place to be!
Image: Ryan De Hamer
6
Bald Head, Maine
If you’re expecting a town full of shiny, bald-headed guys, well, you might be disappointed. Bald Head, Maine, actually gets its name from a nearby cliff called Bald Head Cliff .
Now, we all want to know the same: Does it look like a bald head? Sorry to disappoint, but not really. Still, the name has stuck, and the scenic beauty of the area more than makes up for any confusion. Just don’t show up expecting a bald head convention!
Image: Michael Denning
7
Accident, Maryland
Accident, Maryland, owes its name to an actual accident… Well, kind of. In the 1700s, two land surveyors both accidentally claimed the same piece of land without realizing it . One of them, William Deakins, Jr., later allowed the other, Brooke Beall, to keep it. Rather than rename the town, the name Accident stuck. Talk about a happy accident… And generosity!
Image: Colin Lloyd
8
Whynot, North Carolina
Similar to Why, Arizona, this North Carolina town also came about after a naming debate that got a little too long.
Legend has it that settlers were arguing over what to call their new town when one exasperated resident finally said, "Why not just name it Whynot and go home?" And just like that, Whynot was born.
Image: Brendan Steeves
9
Boring, Oregon
Yes, we get it. The first thing that comes to mind is "Why would you name your town this?" But despite what the name suggests, Boring, Oregon, isn’t actually boring . If you need some proof, just ask the locals!
Named after William Harrison Boring, one of its early settlers, the town became a hub for the timber industry. To make things even funnier, Boring has international "sister city" partnerships with Dull, Scotland, and Bland, Australia. If you ever visit, you’ll find that Boring is anything but!
Image: everett mcintire
10
Mosquitoville, Vermont
If you were reluctant to visit Boring, imagine visiting Mosquitoville! The name alone makes us want to grab a can of bug spray!
Mosquitoville is actually a small community in Barnet, Vermont, and while we can’t confirm just how many mosquitoes live there, the name doesn’t sound very promising. You’ll just have to go one summer and find out! Only if you dare!
Image: Peter James Eisenhaure
