There are many beautiful place names that grace this fine Earth. They’re the types of names that roll off the tongue and evoke visions of a place of splendour. However, for every Rio de Janeiro or Palm Springs or Paradise for that matter, there are those lands that have been christened with a name that’s slightly less complimentary. Many have suffered the unfortunate circumstance of the meaning of their name changing over time. For others, it’s the translation from another language that prompts a few questionable glances. But then there are also a select few that seemingly have no excuse and beg the simple question of “Why?”
Here’s a run down of some of the most unfortunate place names Google Maps had to offer…
Hell (USA)
There is a Hell on earth and it’s located in perhaps the last place you’d expect: Michigan. This is a town that truly revels in its namesake. From touting activities such as the Grave Digger ice-cream challenge at the local cream-a-tory to establishments such as Hell’s Kitchen and Hell Hole Bar, Hell also offers the opportunity for punters to be Mayor of Hell for the day (a-hem, move aside Satan). Kayaking is also a big deal here too, apparently. Who knew Hell could be quite so lovely?
Dull (Scotland)
Dull in Perthshire is officially paired with the town of Boring in Oregon. Every August, the two towns celebrate their partnership with an annual community social that has sparked plenty of interest world over. So much so, the Australian town of Bland (Shire), New South Wales, wants to get in on the action too, and form a so-called “Trinity of Tedium”. Could visiting all three towns be the most obscure yet awesome excuse for a round-the-world trip ever?
Shitterton (England)
Perhaps not the most coveted honour to receive, but in recent years the tiny hamlet of Shitterton has been awarded Britain’s Most Unfortunate Place Name. It was a close contest given the UK boasts some of the most unusual place names on the globe, with stiff competition from the likes of Crapstone in Devon, Crackpot in North Yorkshire and Happy Bottom in Dorset.
Murder Island (Canada)
It may sound like the setting for an episode of Scooby Doo, but Murder Island actually does have quite a dark history. So the story goes, French explorers discovered the island littered with human bones, which was the result of a huge battle between two Native American tribes looking for buried treasure. Rumour has it a huge pirate treasure hoard still remains hidden on the island. Quick, somebody call Scooby and the gang…
Middelfart (Denmark)
Sounding almost like a Lord of The Rings parody, Middlefart is a prime example of a town whose name would instantly induce a childlike chuckle. While Middlefart no doubt attracts many a tourist snapping its signage, spare a thought for another Danish sign of a similar ilk: Bådfart. Actually translating to the rather useful “boat service” in English, it’s perhaps a relief to know such a sign isn’t directing the masses to gassy area of unpleasantries.
Swastika (Canada)
Long before Hitler claimed it, the Swastika stood for “Good Luck”, with early 20th-century prospectors christening an Ontario mine and the surrounding areas after the ancient symbol. With the rise of Nazism during WW2, German-sounding names quickly fell out of favour. So much so, the Ontario government decided to change Berlin, Ontario to “Kitchener“, and rebrand Swastika as “Winston”. However, the proud townsfolk of Swastika were having none of it. They restored the original Swastika town sign and added another that read, “To hell with Hitler, we came up with our name first.”
Eyebrow (Canada)
In the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, there’s a village called Eyebrow. While perhaps not the most unfortunate name out there, a place called Eyebrow does sound quite ominous. Like it’s a land shrouded in mystery, where its inhabitants are all curious characters who, when discussing their locality, proclaim “Eyebrow” followed by a long pause and a quizzical stare.
