The Ultimate List of Fun City Names in Texas

Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty State!
Texas, our Texas! So wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, Withstanding ev’ry test;
O Empire wide and glorious, You stand supremely blest.

If one thing rings true, it’s that Texans LOVE Texas. As a Texan who has lived in no other state, I can tell you that we are very proud of our state, what we stand for and every thing that we represent.  While it might be known to annoy non-Texans, some things will never change. 

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the humor! The Lone Star State is known for its vast landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, but did you know it’s also home to some of the quirkiest town names you’ll ever come across? From chuckles to belly laughs, Texas has a knack for putting a smile on your face with its offbeat and humorous town names that reflect the state’s unique character and sense of fun.

Add to the list of awesome things in Texas – fun city names! Texas is a state full of unique and interesting cities, each with its own distinct personality and charm. But some of these cities stand out from the rest because of their quirky and fun names. Here are just a few of the most memorable city names in Texas that are sure to make you smile

It’s a given that we love to eat, don’t miss these Texas towns that are named after food!

• Bacon, Texas 76301 – located in Henderson County, known for its scenic countryside and friendly locals
• Grapevine, Texas 75019 – Known for its restored 19th- and 20th-century buildings. Many of these are on downtown’s Grapevine Main Street, which is lined with restaurants, galleries and shops. The Cotton Belt Railroad District is home to artisans’ workshops, including a glass-blowing studio, a blacksmith and a bronze foundry.
• Noodle, Texas 79536 – community located in Upshur County, named after a local family with the surname “Noodle”.
• Oatmeal, Texas 78605 – located in Burnet County, named after the area’s once-thriving oatmeal industry.
• Turkey, Texas 79261 – a small town located in Hall County, known for its rich ranching history and annual Bob Wills Day festival.
• Trout, Texas 75789 – located in Cherokee County, known for its beautiful natural scenery and abundance of fishing opportunities.
• Sugar Land, Texas 77479 – located in Fort Bend County, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving business community.
• Salty, Texas 76567 – named for a nearby Salty Creek
• Rice, Texas 75155 – located in Navarro County, the city has a total area of 2.8 square miles 
• Pearland, Texas 77581 – located in Brazoria County, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, award-winning schools, and rich culinary scene.
• Orange, Texas 77630 – located in one of the most promising industrial areas on the fast-growing Gulf Coast
• Sweetwater, Texas 79556– center of the leading wind power generation region of the Western Hemisphere. It is sometimes called the “Wind Turbine Capital of Texas”.

We love the sun, especially when the sun warms up our city so we can eat on the patio! These Texas city names all revolve around the SUN.

• Sun City, Texas 78628  – age restricted city located in Georgetown
• Sunrise, Texas 76661 – located off Business Route 6 about two miles south of Marlin in central Falls County.
• Sunset, Texas 76270  – the city has a total area of 1.1 square miles 
• Sundown, Texas 79372  – he city has a total area of 1.5 square miles
• Sunray, Texas 79086 – city in northeast Moore County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,926 at the 2010 census.
• Sunny Side, Texas 77423 –  located in Castro County

Why travel to other cities when Texas has them all!? These Texas city names can be found in other states around the country but don’t be confused, they belong to the Great State of Texas. 

• Detroit, Texas 75436 – In 1887 J. M. Stephens, the local railway agent, renamed the town Detroit for his former home in Michigan
• Cleveland, Texas 75436 – Now most of the sawmills are gone, yet Cleveland remains a vital shipping point for lumber products and also sand and gravel
• Colorado City, Texas 79512 – the “Mother City of West Texas” for its early origin as a ranger camp in 1877 and for its prominence as a cattlemen’s center.
• Denver City, Texas 79323 – one of the youngest communities in the state
• Klondike, Texas 75448 – lies in the southwest corner of the county at the junction of Farm to Market Roads 1528 and 2890, 3 miles southwest of Cooper
• Pittsburg , Texas 75686 – Best known as the former home of the giant poultry producer Pilgrim’s and the home of racing legend Carroll Shelby, Pittsburg is also the birthplace of Cavender’s Boot City.
• Newark , Texas 76071 – located over 20 miles east of Fort Worth and 25 miles south of Decatur
• Nevada, Texas 75173 – First settled in 1835 by John McMinn Stambaugh and named “McMinn Chapel”, the area was settled by Granville Stinebaugh, who named it after the Nevada Territory.
• Memphis, Texas 79245 – noted for its tree-lined streets, city park, two swimming pools, community center, and fifty blocks of brick paving laid in 1926.
• Miami, Texas 79059 – also known as the “Sweetheart of the Plains”
• Boston, Texas 75570 – located in Bowie County. Its population was recorded at 200 in 2000. Its population was also recorded as 175 from 1896 through the early 1990s. It had only two operating businesses in 1982
• Santa Fe, Texas 77517 – Santa Fe was initially settled in the mid-1800s as a farming community. The city’s name is derived from the Santa Fe Railroad that ran through the area, connecting Galveston to Chicago.
• Tennessee Colony, Texas 75861 – One of the notable features of Tennessee Colony is the presence of several Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities in the vicinity. The Coffield Unit and the Beto Unit are two of the major prison facilities located in this area.
• Reno, Texas 75462 – Reno was established in the late 19th century as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railway. It was named after Reno, Nevada. The railway brought growth and development to the area, leading to the establishment of the town.
• Pasadena, Texas 77506 – Pasadena was founded in 1893 by John H. Burnett, who named the area after Pasadena, California. The city’s growth was driven by its proximity to the Houston Ship Channel and the development of the oil industry in Texas.
• Columbus, Texas 78934 – Columbus has a rich history that dates back to the early 1820s. It was initially settled by Anglo-American colonists and played a role in the Texas Revolution. The town was named after Christopher Columbus.

Texas is known for its Southern hospitality. We’re always open for a long winded conversation about nothing and love to check in on your family. You wouldn’t find these warming Texas city names anywhere else…

• Pep, Texas 79353 –  Known as a ghost town in Texas, Pep doesn’t have much going on in it. Pep is located in the Texas panhandle.
• Smiley , Texas 78159 – The community of Smiley was established in the late 1800s and was named after John Smiley, an early settler. It started as a stop on the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway.
• Paradise, Texas 76073 – Located 30 miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas. The town of Paradise was settled in the 1850s and later officially established. The name “Paradise” is said to have been suggested by a local preacher due to the area’s natural beauty.
• Rainbow, Texas 76077 – Rainbow was settled in the late 1800s and was named after a local creek. The area’s name is attributed to the colorful wildflowers and bluebonnets that bloom in the region.
• Sweet Home, Texas 77987 – The community of Sweet Home has a history dating back to the late 1800s when it was established by German and Czech immigrants. The area was primarily focused on agriculture and farming.
• Comfort, Texas 78013 – Comfort was founded in the mid-19th century by German immigrants. The town’s name reflects the hope that settlers would find physical and emotional comfort in their new home. Many of the original German buildings and cultural influences are still evident in the town’s architecture and traditions.
• Friendship, Texas 76530 – Another Texas ghosttown, Friendship was flooded in 1921. The town is now nonexistent and located under Lake Granger. 

We’re taking a lighthearted journey through the heart of Texas, where the town names are as colorful as the state itself. We’ll be exploring the origins, stories, and delightful anecdotes behind some of the most amusing town names in the Lone Star State. 

Did you say you wanted to travel to outside the country? No problem, these Texas cities will allow you to travel the world without leaving the state. Explore Athens, Egypt and London without having to travel too far.

• Athens , Texas 75751- Athens is situated in East Texas, approximately 70 miles southeast of Dallas. It’s often referred to as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World” due to its history of being a major shipping point for black-eyed peas.
• Canadian, Texas 79014 – The city of Canadian was established in the late 1800s as a trading post and later became a hub for ranching and cattle drives. It’s named after the Canadian River, which runs nearby. Canadian is often referred to as the “Oasis of the Texas Panhandle.”
• China , Texas 77613 – The town of China has a history dating back to the late 1800s when it was settled by pioneers. The town’s name is said to be derived from the abundant chinaberry trees in the area.
• Dublin , Texas 76446 – Dublin was settled in the late 19th century and was originally known for its agricultural activities and the production of cotton. It gained some prominence with the establishment of the Dublin Bottling Works, which produced a popular brand of soda known as “Dublin Dr Pepper.”
• Egypt, Texas 77436 – Egypt, on Farm Road 102 eleven miles northwest of Wharton, is the oldest community in Wharton County.
• Ireland, Texas 76538 – Ireland is situated in Central Texas, approximately 10 miles west of Gatesville, the county seat of Coryell County. The community of Ireland has a history dating back to the late 1800s when it was settled by pioneers. The name “Ireland” is said to have been suggested by an Irish railroad worker.
• Italy, Texas 76538 – The city of Italy has a history dating back to the late 1800s when it was founded as a railroad town. The town’s name is said to have been suggested by a railroad official who had fond memories of Italy, a country in southern Europe.
• Turkey, Texas 79261 – Turkey is situated in the Texas Panhandle, approximately 100 miles southeast of Amarillo.  The town of Turkey has a history dating back to the late 1800s when it was established as a stop on the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway. The name “Turkey” is said to have been derived from the wild turkeys that inhabited the area.
• London, Texas 76854 – Also referred to as London Town, London TX is an unincorporated community in northeast Kimble County, Texas
• New London, Texas 75682 – On March 18, 1937, the combined junior-senior high school in the small East Texas town of New London exploded without warning, killing nearly half of the students and teachers. As a result of the disaster, Texas passed laws requiring natural gas to be mixed with a malodorant to provide early warning of any leak. Other states quickly followed. Eventually, the legal requirement for malodorant in natural gas became a legal requirement in the United States
   
• Paris, Texas 75460 – Paris is situated in Northeast Texas, approximately 100 miles northeast of Dallas. One of the unique features of Paris, Texas, is its replica of the Eiffel Tower. Standing at 65 feet, the tower is a local landmark and a symbol of the city’s name association with Paris, France.
• Palestine, Texas 75801 – Palestine is situated in East Texas, approximately 100 miles southeast of Dallas. Palestine is home to the Texas State Railroad, a historic steam and diesel railroad that offers scenic rides through the East Texas Piney Woods. The railroad provides a nostalgic experience for visitors.

No need to travel to Washington DC, just visit Whitehouse, Texas 75791

Whitehouse is situated in East Texas, approximately 10 miles south of Tyler. It’s part of the Tyler metropolitan area. Whitehouse is said to have gotten its name from a whitewashed building near the railroad tracks that served as a school, church, and place for business meetings and social gatherings. Steam locomotives going through stopped to take on water near the “white house,” and soon the community itself became known by the term

We have a city named after our state: Texas City , Texas 77590

Texas City, Texas is home to the Port of Texas City, which is one of the largest and busiest deepwater ports in Texas. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including petroleum products, chemicals, and other goods. Texas City has a history dating back to the early 20th century. The city’s growth was driven by its role as an industrial hub, particularly in the petroleum and shipping sectors. The Texas City Disaster of 1947 was a tragic industrial accident involving the explosion of a ship carrying ammonium nitrate fertilizer. It remains one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history.

Exhausted? No worries, head straight to Energy, Texas 76452

Energy is an unincorporated hamlet located in Comanche County in Central Texas. A post office is the hamlet’s only business or service, although a large dairy farm is located just beyond its eastern border, as is a trailer home complex. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had a population of 65 in 2000.

Cold? We’ve got you covered, head to Blanket, Texas 76432 or Winters, Texas 79567

Blanket, Texas is situated in Central Texas, approximately 90 miles southeast of Abilene and about 150 miles northwest of Austin. Blanket was founded in the late 1800s as a pioneer settlement. The town’s name is said to have originated from the blankets that early settlers used to trade with local Native American tribes.

Winter, Texas is situated in West Central Texas, approximately 40 miles south of Abilene. One of the notable events in Winters is the Annual Sand Plum Festival, celebrating the sand plum fruit that grows in the area. The festival features food, music, arts and crafts, and various activities.

Whether you’re a Texan with a deep appreciation for your state’s eccentricities or an outsider curious about the charming oddities that dot the Texas map, this series is sure to tickle your funny bone. From towns with names that could double as punchlines to those that leave you wondering, “How did they come up with that?”—we’re diving into the world of amusing Texas town names that showcase the state’s lively spirit and sense of adventure.

We love our history and these Texas cities have the perfect name!

• Santa Anna , Texas 76878 – The city is named after General Antonio López de Santa Anna, a prominent figure in Mexican history who played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo. Despite the name, there isn’t a direct historical connection between General Santa Anna and the city itself.
• Goliad, Texas 77963 – Located 90 miles Southeast of San Antonio, Goliad holds a significant place in Texas history, as it was the site of several important events during the Texas Revolution. The Presidio La Bahía, a Spanish fort and mission complex, played a key role during this time.
• Alamo, Texas 78516 –  Alamo is situated in the Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas, approximately 10 miles southwest of McAllen. Alamo’s location near the U.S.-Mexico border influences its culture, economy, and daily life. The city’s connection to Mexico is evident in its cuisine, traditions, and businesses.
• Gun Barrel City, Texas 75156 – Gun Barrel City is situated in East Texas, approximately 50 miles southeast of Dallas.
• Robert Lee, Texas 76945 – Robert Lee is situated in West Texas, approximately 55 miles north of San Angelo. The city is named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee and was founded in the late 19th century. While named after the famous general, the city itself doesn’t have a direct historical connection to his life.

Need Office Supplies? Head to Staples, Texas 78670

Staples is situated in Central Texas, approximately 10 miles east of San Marcos and about 40 miles south of Austin. One of the notable features of Staples is its location along the San Marcos River. The river provides opportunities for water-based activities such as swimming, tubing, and fishing.

Guess where this town is…. Yep, the state line. Texline, Texas 79087

Texline, Texas has historical significance as a location along important transportation routes, including railroads and highways. It’s situated along U.S. Route 87 and has a history tied to rail transport. For years there has been a simmering dispute over whether Texline is lawfully a part of Texas or New Mexico. 

Want to go into outer space? No problem – Venus, Texas 76084 and Mars, Texas 79062

Venus, Texas is situated in North Texas, approximately 30 miles southwest of Dallas and about 20 miles south of Fort Worth. Originally known as Gossip, then Midway, it incorporated under the name Venus in 1903 upon 80 acres owned by founder J.C Smyth, becoming one of Johnson County’s most prosperous cities and The Cotton Capital of Texas

Mars, Texas is a ghost town in Texas situated in Central Texas, approximately 15 miles north of Waco. One of the main features that draws attention to Mars is its distinctive name. The name “Mars” is often associated with the planet Mars, and the community’s name has led to some curiosity and interest over the years.

We even have a city named after our planet: Earth , Texas 79031

Earth is a small town located in Lamb County, Texas, United States. Despite its small size, Earth has garnered attention due to its unique name. Earth is situated in the Texas Panhandle, approximately 75 miles west of Lubbock.  Originally Halsell named the city Fairlawn, but in 1925 it was renamed Earth when it was learned that there was already a town in Texas by the name of Fairlawn. In order to find a new name the townspeople sent in suggestions, and the agreed-upon best name was chosen. The name Earth was submitted by Ora Hume 

Next time you’re around kids, be sure to tell them about these funny Texas city names.

• Kermit, Texas 79745 – The city’s name is often attributed to the frog character “Kermit the Frog” from Jim Henson’s Muppets. However, the city was actually named after Kermit Roosevelt, the son of President Theodore Roosevelt.
• Elmo, Texas 75118 – Elmo is situated in North Texas, approximately 30 miles southeast of Dallas and about 20 miles south of Terrell. When the Texas and Pacific Railway laid tracks through the area in the early 1870s, a community quickly developed around the railroad, and residents chose the name Elmo in honor of Elmo Scott, a wire engineer who surveyed and routed the T&P through the county.
• Nemo, Texas 76070 –  Curious how Nemo got its name? When residents met to choose a name, the story goes, one man stood up and argued for the name Nemo, which he said was Latin for no one. He argued that if Jimmie Johnson’s name was not good enough “then no one’s was.”
• Tarzan, Texas 79783 –  Formed in 1920, Tarzan got its unusual name from a submission to the postal service that was accepted.
• Winnie, Texas 77665 – Winnie Texas is located on I-10 just a short drive from Bolivar Peninsula. Winnie Texas is home to the Texas Rice Festival each fall and the Marsh Fest the first weekend of March yearly. 
• Sylvester, Texas 79560 – Sylvester is situated in West Texas, approximately 40 miles southeast of Lubbock.

These Texas town names will make put a smile on your face. 

• Frognot, Texas 75424 – What a Texas City name!? There are several theories as to where the name came from. One is that the area had an abundance of frogs. They killed the frogs and became known as Frognot.
• Bigfoot, Texas 78005 – Bigfoot is situated in South Texas, approximately 40 miles southwest of San Antonio. The first settlement at Bigfoot was made in the 1860s, but the community was called “Connally’s Store” until the post office was established in 1883
• Hogeye, Texas 75423 – Hogeye is known for its charming and memorable name. The origin of the name is believed to have come from the term “hog eye,” which refers to a small body of water where hogs would gather to drink.
• Cactus, Texas 79013 – Cactus has historical significance as a town that developed around the railroad and the meatpacking industry. The Swift & Company meatpacking plant played a pivotal role in the town’s growth and economy.
• Notrees, Texas 79759 – Notrees, Texas is known for its captivating and somewhat ironic name. Despite the name, the community is not abundant with trees, and the origin of the name is tied to the area’s landscape and topography.
• Best, Texas 76932 – Best, Texas has historical significance as a settlement that grew around a lumber mill and sawmill in the late 1800s. The timber industry played a crucial role in the community’s early development.
• Veribest, Texas 76886- Veribest is known for its distinctive and memorable name. The name “Veribest” was coined by a local store owner in the early 1900s, combining the Latin word “veritas” (meaning “truth”) and “best.”
• Kickapoo, Texas 75763 – The name “Kickapoo” is derived from the Kickapoo Indians, a Native American tribe. However, it’s important to note that the Kickapoo Indians are not native to Texas; their historical homeland is in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Kickapoo’s proximity to the Mexican border makes it a part of the borderland region. The area’s cultural and economic ties with Mexico influence the community’s character.
• Dime Box, Texas 77853 – Dime Box is known for its intriguing and somewhat whimsical name. The origin of the name is believed to come from a box that was used to collect dimes for long-distance telephone calls. The name has stuck, giving the community its distinctive identity.
• Old Dime Box, Texas 77853 – Not to be confused with Dime Box, Texas! Old Dime Box is historically significant as the original settlement that eventually gave rise to the present-day community of Dime Box. It was founded by German and Czech immigrants in the late 1800s.
• Telephone, Texas 7548 – Telephone is situated in Northeast Texas, approximately 75 miles northeast of Dallas. The origin of the name is believed to come from the early installation of a telephone line in the area, which was a significant technological advancement at the time.
• Telegraph, Texas 76883 – Telegraph has historical significance as a former telegraph station along the Southern Overland Mail route, which was an important communication and transportation route in the mid-1800s. The telegraph station facilitated communication between the eastern and western parts of the United States.
• Whiteface, Texas 79379 – Whiteface is situated in West Texas, approximately 70 miles west of Lubbock.
• Twitty, Texas 79079 – Twitty, Texas was named after an early settler Asa Twitty. It may have been the origin of the stage name of the country singer Conway Twitty. In fact, on the March 30, 1989, episode of Late Night with David Letterman, Conway Twitty admitted that he chose his stage last name after seeing Twitty, Texas, on a map.

These definitely sound like they belong in Texas…

• Cut and Shoot, Texas 77303 – Curious where this crazy Texas city name came from? During the tense dispute, a small boy at the scene reportedly yelled “I’m going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes in a minute!” For whatever reason, the boy’s words stuck and residents later adopted them as the town’s name.
• Gun Barrel City , Texas 75147 – The town takes its name from a former road, Gun Barrel Lane. Its motto, “We Shoot Straight with You”, and its symbol—a rifle with two crossed antique pistols after having to remove Yosemite Sam as its unofficial mascot on its signs along the road at the town limits.
• Ding Dong, Texas – Ding Dong, Texas is named after two settlers: Zulis and Burt Bell. They opened a store and hired an artist to make a sign. He painted two bells and underneath them wrote “ding” and “dong.”
• West, Texas (it’s in Central Texas, not West Texas) – Despite its name, the city is not located within the region of West Texas; area residents sometimes call the community “West comma Texas” to avoid repetition
• Mule Shoe , Texas 79347 – It was founded in 1913, when the Pecos and Northern Texas Railway built an 88-mile (142 km) line from Farwell, Texas, to Lubbock through northern Bailey County. 

In the vast and diverse expanse of the Lone Star State of Texas, you’ll find more than just wide-open spaces and vibrant cities. Texas also boasts a collection of towns with names that can tickle your funny bone and spark a smile. From the intriguingly named Ding Dong and Cut and Shoot to the whimsical monikers of Dime Box and Frognot, these towns remind us that a touch of humor and uniqueness can be found in every corner of Texas.

So, the next time you find yourself exploring the Lone Star State, consider taking a detour to one of these charmingly named towns, where the spirit of Texas’ rich history and hearty humor come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.