12 Town Names in the US That Sound Made Up (But Aren’t)
I’ve road-tripped across the US more times than I can count, and I still do a double-take every time I pass a sign for one of these oddly named towns.
Some sound like they came straight out of a cartoon, others like they were made up as a joke—but they’re all very real places.
I started jotting them down out of curiosity, and now it’s one of my favorite things to spot on long drives.
This list is for anyone who loves quirky travel finds and weird Americana.
These 12 town names sound completely fake—but I promise, they actually exist.
And if you’re up for a fun detour on your next trip, some of them are worth a visit just for the photo op.
1. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Yes, this one’s real—and yes, it’s named after a radio game show from the 1950s.
The town agreed to change its name from Hot Springs to “Truth or Consequences” as part of a publicity stunt.
Today, it’s a laid-back place known for—you guessed it—hot springs and quirky charm.
2. Intercourse, Pennsylvania
If the name made you raise an eyebrow, you’re not alone.
This small Amish town draws crowds just for the photo by the welcome sign.
It’s actually a peaceful place with great markets and handmade goods.
3. Boring, Oregon
Boring may sound, well, boring—but it has a surprising amount of personality.
They even partnered with Dull, Scotland, and Bland, Australia, to form a “Trio of Boring Places.”
You’ll find lovely trails, local beer, and that perfect ironic Instagram post.
4. No Name, Colorado
Legend says the state never got around to giving this exit off I-70 a proper name.
Locals embraced the mistake, and now it’s officially No Name.
There’s even a No Name Tunnel and No Name Creek—so yes, it’s confusing but totally legit.
5. Chicken, Alaska
The town was supposed to be named after the ptarmigan bird, but no one could agree on how to spell it.
So they went with “Chicken” instead—and the name stuck.
It’s now a tiny off-grid community that throws a quirky summer festival every year.
6. Santa Claus, Indiana
It’s Christmas year-round here—literally.
The town has streets named Rudolph Blvd and Prancer Drive, plus a working post office that handles thousands of holiday letters.
If you’re ever nearby in December, the festive spirit is something else.
7. Hell, Michigan
Yes, you can actually go to Hell—and it’s only about 15 miles from Ann Arbor.
Locals have embraced the joke with “Welcome to Hell” signs, themed gift shops, and a “Mayor of Hell” title anyone can buy for a day.
It’s a popular spot for Halloween fun and offbeat road trips.
8. Why, Arizona
Originally, the town was named for a Y-shaped intersection.
But Arizona law required town names to have at least three letters, so they just spelled it out: Why.
It’s quiet, remote, and not far from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
9. Ding Dong, Texas
This central Texas community got its name from a pair of bells painted on a store sign, thanks to a local joke.
The Bell family (yes, really) commissioned it, and the “ding dong” part stuck.
It’s tiny, but the name alone makes it legendary in Lone Star folklore.
10. Zzyzx, California
Pronounced “Zye-zix,” this desert outpost near Death Valley was invented in the 1940s to sound like the last word in the English language.
It was once home to a health spa, and now it’s part of a university research station.
You’ll spot the sign off I-15—and yes, it really is spelled with two Zs and a Y.
11. Cut and Shoot, Texas
This East Texas town earned its name from a heated church dispute in 1912.
One child reportedly shouted, “I’m going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes!” and it stuck.
Today, it’s a peaceful place with a name that always gets attention.
12. Two Egg, Florida
Back during the Great Depression, people bartered eggs at the general store instead of using cash.
The town became known as the place where you could get anything for “two eggs.”
Even now, it’s proud of its oddball name—and its deep Southern roots.
