Everything’s Bigger in Texas, Including the Weird City Names
Texas is known for its vast landscapes and rich history, but it also boasts some of the most unique and unusual town names in the United States. These names often reflect the area’s diverse cultural heritage, historical events, and just plain quirky local stories.
Many of these weird Texas city names came about because postal offices needed unique and concise identifiers. This led to residents getting creative, sometimes resulting in humorous or bizarre names that have stuck for generations. Luckily, historical records, local associations, and publications like “1,001 Texas Place Names” preserve those stories for us today.
You’ll find towns named after geographical features, historical figures, and even inside jokes. The stories behind these names are as diverse as Texas itself. So, get ready to embark on a journey through the weird and wonderful world of Texas geography and etymology. We’ll even provide pronunciations for some of the trickier names (because let’s be honest, some of them are really tricky).
How Texas town names reflect the state’s history
Texas’s unusual town names are a reflection of the state’s diverse history, which includes influences from Native American tribes, European colonists, and waves of immigrants from across the globe. Here’s a look at how these influences show up in the names of Texas towns.
Native American heritage
Many Texas town names come from the languages of the Native American tribes who first lived on the land. For example, Nacogdoches is derived from the name of a Caddo tribe. Waxahachie may mean “Buffalo Creek,” though the exact origin of the name is uncertain. The town of Quitaque got its name from a Native American phrase meaning “end of the trail.”
These names often describe the landscape or other notable features of the area. Understanding the origin of a town’s name can give you a glimpse into the area’s history before European colonization.
To learn more, try researching the Caddo tribe and their interactions with the first settlers to arrive in the area.
European influence
Spanish and French colonists also left their mark on Texas, and this shows up in the names of some Texas towns. For example, Palestine, Texas, was named after Palestine, Illinois. Point Blank was named after a Frenchwoman who referred to the area as “Blanc Point.”
Town names like these reflect the hopes and desires of the early settlers and their connections to their homelands. To learn more about how these names came to be, investigate the history of the Spanish missions and French trading posts that dotted the Texas landscape.
German heritage
Many German immigrants settled in Texas, adding to the state’s cultural diversity and influencing the names of towns. For instance, the town of Nada was originally named Vox Populi. Later, its name was changed to Nada, which is the Czechoslovakian word for “hope.”
Researching German immigration patterns and settlement history can give you a deeper understanding of this influence.
Quirky and Humorous Texas Town Names
Texas is known for its unique culture, and that extends to the names of its towns. Many of these names have funny origins, reflect local characteristics, or are simply shrouded in mystery. Here’s a look at some of the most quirky and humorous Texas town names and the stories behind them.
Towns Born from Anecdotes
Some Texas towns got their names from funny stories or peculiar events. These names offer a glimpse into the local humor and folklore of the region.
- Ding Dong: Legend has it that a traveling salesman suggested to two local store owners, Bert and Zulis Bell, that they name their store Ding Dong because their last names rang like bells. The name stuck for the store and eventually the town.
- Bug Tussle: There are several stories about how Bug Tussle got its name. One version says the name came from an invasion of bugs that spoiled a local ice cream social. Another says the town was named for the many insects that infested the area.
Names Reflecting Local Characteristics
Other Texas towns are named after distinctive features of the area, sometimes in a whimsical way. These names often provide a snapshot of the town’s early environment or economy.
- Oatmeal: The origin of Oatmeal’s name is a bit murky. Some say it was named after a Mr. Othneil, while others believe it was named after a Habermill, possibly relating to oats and mills.
- Noodle: Noodle is named after Noodle Creek, which was often dry. The name is a bit of Texas humor, as a “noodle” is sometimes used to describe something worthless or insignificant.
- Sour Lake: Originally called Sour Lake Springs, this town was named for the mineral springs in the area. The springs were a popular health resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Names with Uncertain Origins
Some Texas town names have origins that are shrouded in mystery, leading to various theories and speculations. The ambiguity surrounding these names adds to their intrigue and charm.
- Uncertain: There are several theories for how Uncertain got its name. One says that the town was named for the difficulty steamboats had landing there. Another says the name came from a group of settlers who were unsure whether they were in Texas or Louisiana.
- Frognot: The origin of Frognot’s name is also uncertain. Some say it came from the abundance of frogs in the area, while others say it was named after a strict school policy that forbade students from “frogging,” or skipping school.
Texas Town Names and Their Stories
Texas is full of towns with names that make you stop and wonder: How did that happen? Here’s the story behind some of the state’s more unusual place names.
Cut and Shoot
Cut and Shoot, Texas got its name from an actual fight. As the story goes, back in the early 1900s, some church members were arguing about whether a controversial preacher should be allowed to speak at their church. The argument got so heated that someone yelled, “I’m gonna cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes!” That colorful declaration became the town’s name, reflecting a period of conflict and tension in its early history.
Notrees
In a place as arid as West Texas, trees are precious. The name Notrees came about when the only tree in the area was cut down to build a Shell plant. The name serves as a reminder of the harsh environment and limited resources in the region and the trade-offs that come with industrial development.
Wink
Wink, Texas, was named after a local rancher named W.T. Winker. In the 1920s, Wink became a boomtown, and with that boom came gambling and corruption. It was a wild place back then, and its name is a bit of a wink and a nod to that colorful past.
Lazbuddie
The town of Lazbuddie is the result of a mashup. It was named by combining the last names of two friends, Lazwell Sparks and Buddie Williams. The name reflects the importance of friendship and community in the town’s founding.
Muleshoe
Mules were essential for early settlers and farmers. The town of Muleshoe got its name from an actual muleshoe that was found in the area. It’s a simple name that reflects the daily life and needs of the people who settled the area.
Necessity
Sometimes, a name says it all. The town of Necessity was named because the settlers needed a post office. It highlights the hardships faced by the early settlers and their basic needs.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater wasn’t always Sweetwater. It was originally called Blue Goose, named after a local cowboy who was known for his skill at roping blue geese. The name was later changed to Sweetwater, perhaps because it sounded a bit more appealing. The story shows how names can change over time due to local events and preferences.
Bigfoot
No, this town wasn’t named after the legendary cryptid. Bigfoot, Texas was named after William Alexander Anderson “Bigfoot” Wallace, a soldier and Texas Ranger. It highlights the influence of historical figures on the naming of towns.
Kermit
The town of Kermit was named for Kermit Roosevelt, the son of President Theodore Roosevelt. It’s a way of memorializing prominent figures in the area’s history.
Levelland
Sometimes, the land speaks for itself. Levelland got its name from the flat, level topography of the area. It highlights the importance of the natural landscape in shaping the identity of a place.
Pronouncing Texas Town Names: A Guide
If you’re not from around here, you may find it tricky to pronounce some Texas town names. The way we say things is a big part of our history and culture, so it’s important to get it right. Calling a town by the wrong name might even cause offense!
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most commonly mispronounced Texas town names:
- Mexia: Muh-hay-uh
- Nacogdoches: Nack-ah-doe-chess
- Waxahachie: Waak-suh-ha-chee
- Balmorhea: Bal-more-ay
Knowing how to say these names correctly shows respect for our local culture. Some folks, like George Mitchel Stokes, have even compiled pronunciation guides for over 2,300 Texas place names! So, next time you’re traveling through Texas, give it your best shot.
Closing Thoughts
The weird and wonderful town names of Texas offer a glimpse into the state’s unique history, culture, and folklore. From names rooted in Native American languages to those born from quirky anecdotes, these names tell stories of early settlers, significant historical events, and the area’s natural landscape. These stories are often preserved through historical societies, local publications, and, of course, word of mouth.
By diving into the origins and meanings behind these names, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the Lone Star State’s diverse heritage. The names often reflect the area’s complex history, showcasing Native American, German, French, and Spanish influences that shaped the region.
These names also highlight the importance of local stories and the slightly offbeat character that defines Texas. Whether a town is named after a joke, a prominent historical figure, or a striking geographical feature, each name carries a story waiting to be discovered.
So, the next time you’re driving through Texas, take a moment to consider the stories behind the names of the towns you pass through. You might be surprised by what you learn!