12 replies to this topic

[rudy]

I came across this story about Dull, Scotland possibly twinning with Boring, Oregon and thought of the many unusual place names I've come across. I'm sure you have all had your share. I'd like to hear some of your favorites (along with a map link). Here's one: Witless Bay, Newfoundland (a source of many great unusual names).

[Hans van der Maarel]

These are in Dutch, with English translations:
Muggebeet (Mosquito bite)
Schuring (Chafing)

I've always thought "Saint Vincent and the Grenadines" sounds like a 60s pop band name

[Charles Syrett]

I'd like to hear some of your favorites (along with a map link).

Paul, being an Ontarian, I'm sure you know all about Punkeydoodle's Corners. Heck, there's even a Wikipedia article about it. Location: 43° 21′ 13″ N, 80° 44′ 3″ W

I drove past it once, about 20 years ago, but (alas!) it was one of those many times when the sign had been stolen.

Charles Syrett
Map Graphics
http://www.mapgraphics.com

[Michael Schmeling]

There is a Wikipedia article about unusual place names in general, with some links.

[joelschlager]

In northern Illinois there happens to be two municipalities adjacent each other with the names "Plano" and "Sandwich". Even better are the suggestions (mere jokes really) for new municipalities to begin nearby with sandwich filling names (i.e. - bologna, turkey, etc...).

Jonathan

[rudy]

There is also a Dummer township in Ontario but I haven't come across just a Dumb one.

[Matthew Hampton]

I would like you to know that I am a proud resident of Boring, Oregon!

A few years ago Toshiba created a contest with us and Normal, Ill and I think it ended in a draw.

[ELeFevre]

I've always liked this one. Chugwater, Wyoming!

[Jacques Gélinas]

I lived in Newfoundland four five years.
I always liked. Blow me Down. And for those who have been there it is windy.
Not sure about the placed called Dildo, Newfoundland.

fun topic.

[l.jegou]

HEre in France we have a quite funny Tumblr site with extracts of 1/25000 topo maps from our official provider, IGN :

http://ignintime.tumblr.com/

[Dennis McClendon]

There have been several books of unusual place-names. Here on my toponymy bookshelf I have

• Campbell, Hannah. Why Did They Name It...?
• Dickson, Paul. What's in a Name? Reflections of an Irrepressible Name Collector
• Blevins, Don. Peculiar, Uncertain & 2 Egg: The Unusual Origins of More Than 3,000 American Place Names
• Gallant, Frank. K. A Place Called Peculiar: Stories About Unusual American Place-Names
• Quimby, Myron. Scratch Ankle, U.S.A.: American Place Names and their Derivation

Other toponymic enthusiasts may be interested in the American Names Society and its listserv, which you can join by sending an email to listserv@listserv.binghamton.edu with the message SUB ANS-L [your name]. Much of the discussion is about personal names, but there are several of us who are more interested in place names.

[l.jegou]

About bibliography, may I suggest :

http://www.markmonmo...flame_39898.htm

[Hans van der Maarel]

HEre in France we have a quite funny Tumblr site with extracts of 1/25000 topo maps from our official provider, IGN :

http://ignintime.tumblr.com/

Makes me wish I spoke better French... I don't get most of them