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Towns with curious names in Mexico

Discover a fascinating collection of Mexican towns and cities with unusual names and surprising translations. This list explores the cultural and linguistic richness of Mexico through its most curious place names. From names evoking nature to those with humorous or historical meanings, immerse yourself in Mexican geography in a unique way. Ideal for travellers, linguists, and anyone interested in toponymy and the cultural curiosities of Mexico.

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  1. 1

    La Chingada (Veracruz, Veracruz)

    473 Global Votes
    • Famous for its name

    There are several localities with this name in Mexico, being a vulgar expression deeply rooted in the collective imagination. Its use to designate a place, often remote, makes it an extremely curious and culturally significant toponym.

  2. 2

    El Doctor (Cadereyta de Montes, Querétaro)

    143 Global Votes
    • Unique experience in Mexico

      (+1)

    A simple but curious name due to its origin, which honors a saint and the doctor who brought him to the community. Furthermore, the town offers ecotourism activities, combining the peculiar with the attractive.

  3. 3

    La Verija (Carácuaro, Michoacán)

    28 Global Votes

    Its name is a colloquial word with an anatomical connotation, which makes it peculiar and striking. It is another example of how popular language and bodily references are used in Mexican toponymy.

  4. 4

    Buckingham (Santa María del Oro, Nayarit)

    0 Global Votes
    • Named by an English landowner

      (+2)

    The name of this town is surprisingly exotic for a Mexican locality, directly evoking the British royal residence. Its origin is attributed to an English immigrant, which adds a peculiar history to its toponym.

  5. 5

    Está Cabrón (Jáltipan, Veracruz)

    0 Global Votes
    • Phrase 'Está cabrón' is versatile

      (+4)

    This ghost town has a name that is a strong and very common colloquial expression in Mexican Spanish. Its peculiarity lies in the boldness of using such a direct and memorable phrase to designate a locality.

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  7. 6

    Válgame Dios (Badiraguato, Sinaloa)

    0 Global Votes
    • Has a curious name

    The name of this remote community is an exclamation of astonishment or supplication, said to reflect the difficulty of accessing the place. It is an example of popular humor and idiosyncrasy when naming places.

  8. 7

    La Nalga de Ventura (Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato)

    0 Global Votes
    • Known as Rancho de Guadalupe

      (+1)

    This nickname for the community of Rancho de Guadalupe is a colloquial anatomical reference, which makes it extremely striking and often provokes laughter. It is an example of how popular nicknames can overshadow the official name.

  9. 8

    Honey (Puebla)

    0 Global Votes
    • Direct contact with nature

      (+4)

    The name of this municipality, which sounds like 'honey' in English, has an unexpected historical origin, derived from a 19th-century English businessman. It is a toponym that combines a peculiar sound with a fascinating history.

  10. 9

    Naco (Sonora)

    0 Global Votes
    • Name means prickly pear cactus

      (+4)

    This town has a name that, although it comes from the Opata language and means 'prickly pear cactus', has acquired a double connotation in Mexican Spanish. In colloquial language, 'naco' is a derogatory term, which makes it very curious.

  11. 10

    Agua Puerca (Tamasopo, San Luis Potosí)

    0 Global Votes

    The name of this community is a literal and crude description of the poor water quality it has historically had. Although it sounds offensive, its origin is practical and direct, related to the conditions of the place.

  12. 11

    Pitorreal (Bocoyna, Chihuahua)

    0 Global Votes
    • Word Pitorreal may have origins with Rarámuri settlers

      (+2)

    Its name is suggestive and inspired by a phallic-looking rock formation, known as 'La Mexicana', to which fertility properties are attributed. It combines a peculiar toponym with a local legend and a natural attraction.

  13. 12

    X'Box (Chacsinkín, Yucatán)

    0 Global Votes
    • Name originates from Yucatec Mayan language

      (+3)

    Although phonetically similar to the video game console, its Mayan name is pronounced 'shbosh' and means 'The Black One', related to a local legend. This coincidence makes it very curious, revealing a deep cultural origin.

  14. 13

    San Antonio Texas (Irapuato, Guanajuato)

    0 Global Votes
    • Has a curious name

    The combination of a saint's name with that of a U.S. state is unusual and suggests a history of cultural exchange or migration. It is a toponym that sparks curiosity about its origins.

  15. 14

    Salsipuedes (Baja California)

    0 Global Votes
    • Aptly named surf spot

      (+1)

    The name of this island, which means 'get out if you can', is an implicit warning that has generated curiosity among travelers. Its intriguing toponym makes it a point of interest with a story behind it.

  16. 15

    Las Tetillas (Zacatecas)

    0 Global Votes
    • Has beautiful lands

      (+2)

    Similar to other toponyms with anatomical references, this name is striking and curious. It stands out for its uniqueness in a state known for its agricultural production, adding a touch of humor to the landscape.

  17. 16

    Tangamandapio (Michoacán)

    0 Global Votes
    • Has a name of Purépecha origin

      (+2)

    It is a classic on lists of curious toponyms in Mexico, recognized for its long and sonorous name, which is often associated with difficulty in pronunciation. Its particular phonetics make it memorable.

  18. 17

    Cuates de Australia (Coahuila)

    0 Global Votes
    • Fascinating settlement

      (+1)

    The combination of 'cuates' (twins or friends) with 'Australia' is very peculiar and sparks intrigue about its origin. It is a name that ignites the imagination and curiosity about the story behind this unusual denomination.

  19. 18

    La Puerta del Coche (Jalisco)

    0 Global Votes
    • Has excellent rustic touch

      (+4)

    Its name is a literal and simple description that is curious because of its everyday nature. It is an example of how place names can be direct and, at the same time, bring a smile due to their simplicity.

  20. 19

    El Pozole (Canatlán, Durango)

    0 Global Votes
    • Name derives from Nahuatl word meaning 'foam'

      (+4)

    Named after the famous Mexican dish, its Nahuatl origin 'pozonalli' (to foam or bloom) suggests pre-Hispanic roots. A name that directly connects with Mexico's gastronomy and cultural heritage.