Arizona’s spirit of eccentricity lives on in the names of its towns—names that leave travelers double-checking their map apps just to make sure they’re still in reality. Here are ten towns across Arizona that will make even the spiffiest GPS pause in digital confusion.
1. Why
Located at a Y-shaped highway intersection, the town could only be named “Why” because Arizona law requires town names to be at least three letters long—so “Y” became “Why”.
2. Nothing
Nothing is aptly named: a ghost town with literally nothing left to show for it but a sign humorously announcing “Nothing.” For a brief moment, it confused both travelers and their navigation systems.
3. Show Low
This town got its name from a legendary high-stakes card game. The saying “If you can show low, you win” stuck—and thanks to a deuce of clubs, the town became Show Low. To this day, its main street is named “Deuce of Clubs”.
4. Three Way
This odd, provocative name has nothing to do with innuendo—it’s simply named for the junction where three highways meet. But your GPS might still blush before offering directions.
5. Surprise
Supposedly, the town’s founder said she’d be “surprised if the town ever amounted to much.” The name survived—and your GPS might wonder what you’re in for.
6. Chloride
Named after the silver chloride found in the nearby hills, Chloride sounds more like a swimming pool ingredient than a historic mining town.
7. Skull Valley
Legend has it that this eerie-sounding spot was named for the many skulls found in the area after a battle. It’s a genuine place—creepy name and all.
8. Bagdad
Unrelated to the capital of Iraq, Arizona’s version is a copper mining community whose name seems to randomly borrow from global geography.
9. Strawberry
No, there aren’t endless berry fields—just early settlers christening the area after the wild strawberries they found here. Still a sweet name for your GPS to process.
10. Tuba City
Named after a Hopi chief, “Tuba” just seems out of place in Arizona—no musical instrument required for entry.
Honorable Mentions
Table: 10 Bizarre Arizona Town Names
Arizona’s towns are as wild and quirky as its landscapes—drive through, and your GPS will never be the same!
Sources
[1] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/6-bizarrely-named-towns-in-arizona.html
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/arizona/comments/1lbqvrk/most_interestingfunnystrange_arizona_place_name/
[3] https://curator135.com/2024/06/22/unusual-town-names-in-arizona/
[4] https://coppercourier.com/community/arizona-towns-with-questionable-names/
[5] https://www.arizonahighways.com/classroom/arizona-place-names
