Nevada is home to many quirky and oddly named towns that could leave your GPS questioning reality. Here are 10 examples of such towns:
1. Pahrump
Derived from the indigenous term Pah-Rimpi, meaning “water rock,” Pahrump is known for its wineries and proximity to Death Valley National Park.
2. Duckwater
Located in central Nevada, Duckwater is on the Duckwater Indian Reservation. Its name likely comes from a small water body that attracted ducks.
3. Weed Heights
Named after Clyde E. Weed, a mining executive, this town near Carson City was once home to an Anaconda Copper Company mine.
4. Jiggs
This Elko County town was named after a comic strip character, “Jiggs,” and has a population of just two residents today.
5. Owyhee
A phonetic misspelling of “Hawaii,” Owyhee is home to the Shoshone-Paiute tribe and rich in Native American history.
6. Searchlight
Rumored to be named after a prospector who joked about needing a searchlight to find gold, this small town south of Las Vegas has ties to mining and brothels.
7. Beowawe
This town’s name originates from railroad speculators scouting for prospective settlements in Nevada’s mining boom era.
8. Goblin Knobs
Named for hoodoo-like rock formations resembling goblins, this area reflects Nevada’s geological quirks.
9. Sugar Bunker
Dubbed the most lewd-sounding town name in Nevada, Sugar Bunker stands out for its suggestive moniker.
10. Adaven
A creative reversal of “Nevada,” Adaven is an old mining town that mirrors the state’s rich history.
These names showcase Nevada’s colorful past and its blend of humor, history, and creativity in naming towns!
Sources:
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-bizarrely-named-towns-in-nevada.html
- http://reallyweirdplacenames.blogspot.com/2013/05/nevada.html
- https://thenevadannews.com/2025/01/21/7-nevada-town-names-that-will-make-you-giggle/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Nevada
- https://felt.com/explore/cities-nevada