Here are 11 Louisiana town names that are so unique they might just make any GPS have an existential crisis:
- Bunkie
Named after a little girl’s pet monkey nicknamed “Bunkie,” this town’s name has a quirky and personal origin that locals adore. - Dry Prong
This town got its name from a sawmill owner’s water wheel built over a creek that would run dry in the summer months. The unusual name tells a story of the area’s early industrial history. - Cut Off
Named after a proposed shortcut canal connecting Bayou Lafourche to New Orleans, Cut Off has a no-nonsense name that literally describes its geography. - Natchitoches
The oldest town in Louisiana, its name means “pawpaw eaters” in the language of the indigenous people. It is often confused with a similarly named Texas town but has its own distinct cultural heritage. - Grosse Tete
Meaning “big head” in French, this town’s name allegedly refers to a Choctaw man with a notably large head, blending Native American and French colonial history. - Jigger
Named after a local man known for his jig dancing, the playful name conveys a fun slice of local life and personality. - Mowata
Named from the phrase “more water” shouted by train workers topping off boilers. Mowata’s name essentially recalls railway history and the everyday lives of its people. - Zwolle
This town’s name is imported, taken directly from a Dutch town, reflecting the influence of immigrants and the melting pot identity of Louisiana. - Almadane
A unique name combining the first names of three pioneering men: Al Damereal, Mann Huddleston, and Dan Knight, representing a collaborative founding spirit. - Krotz Springs
Named after C.W. Krotz, who found a spring of water, instead of oil, when drilling—a discovery that shaped the town’s future and name. - Waterproof
This town was named for a spot that stayed “waterproof” or dry while flooding surrounded it, a literal and memorable geographic descriptor.
These towns exemplify Louisiana’s rich history, cultural diversity, and sometimes humorous straightforwardness brought into town names that stand out vividly on any map. Each name comes with stories rooted in local legends, indigenous heritage, settlers’ experiences, and the blend of French, Dutch, and Native influences that define the state’s character.
Sources
(https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/louisiana/strange-town-names-la)
(https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-bizarrely-named-towns-in-louisiana.html)
(https://1033thegoat.com/ixp/33/p/10-funniest-louisiana-town-names/)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Unusual_place_names)
(https://107jamz.com/20-of-the-hardest-names-in-louisiana-to-pronounce/)
