Here are 10 Utah town names that are quirky, unusual, or just confusing enough to make your GPS-and maybe even you-have an existential crisis:
- Tooele (pronounced Too-Will-Uh) – Often mispronounced, this town’s name comes from a Native American word and is tricky for outsiders.
- Duchesne (pronounced Doo-Shane) – A tough name with a history of multiple name changes; many get it wrong at first glance.
- Paragonah (pronounced Pair-Uh-Goon-Uh) – A Paiute word with unclear meaning, it sounds like gibberish to many.
- Kanab (pronounced Kuh-Nabb) – Famous for movie history but often mispronounced as “Kuh-Nobb”.
- Moab (pronounced Mo-Abb) – A biblical name often misread as “Mobe,” surrounded by stunning red rock scenery.
- La Verkin – Its origin is mysterious, possibly from Spanish or Native American roots, and the name looks like two words.
- Eggnog – A tiny community with a name that’s literally the holiday drink, causing some head-scratching.
- Bicknell – Formerly Thurber, renamed after a library donor; a name change story that’s a bit odd.
- Koosharem (pronounced Kuh-Sher-Rum) – A small town in the middle of nowhere with a name that trips up many.
- Tropic – Named for its supposed semi-tropical fruit-growing climate, but it’s actually snowy and cold in winter, making the name ironic.
These towns showcase Utah’s blend of Native American, pioneer, biblical, and quirky naming traditions that can confuse even the most advanced GPS systems. Would you like to know how to pronounce any of these names correctly or learn more about their histories?
Sources:
- https://b921hits.com/15-towns-in-utah-with-the-dirtiest-sounding-names/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/9-quirkiest-utah-towns-you-didn-t-know-existed.html
- https://www.ksl.com/article/46752818/how-10-utah-places-got-their-bizarre-names
- https://catcountryutah.com/youre-definitely-from-utah-if-you-can-pronounce-these-towns-correctly/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/6-bizarrely-named-towns-in-utah.html
