New Jersey – Every state has a few oddly named towns, but New Jersey may have one of the strangest collections in America. While some names make visitors laugh, many trace their origins to Lenape language, colonial history, or colorful local legends.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or simply looking for hidden gems, these destinations offer far more than quirky names.
Buttzville
Perhaps the state’s best-known oddball name, Buttzville was founded in the 1830s by Michael Robert Buttz. Despite what many assume, the community has nothing to do with the body part.
The village is an ideal stop for travelers heading to the Delaware Water Gap, where hiking, fishing, waterfalls, scenic drives, and charming river towns make for a full day of exploration.
Ho-Ho-Kus
The name Ho-Ho-Kus comes from a Lenape word believed to mean either “red cedar” or “running water,” although historians continue to debate its exact meaning.
Today, the borough is known for its picturesque downtown filled with local restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and beautifully preserved historic homes.
Cheesequake
No dairy products were involved in naming Cheesequake. The unusual name evolved from a Lenape word associated with Cheesequake Creek.
The community is best known for Cheesequake State Park, one of New Jersey’s most diverse parks. Visitors can hike, camp, kayak, fish, mountain bike, or explore the unique transition between northern forests and the Pine Barrens.
Loveladies
Located on Long Beach Island, Loveladies was named after early landowner Thomas Lovelady rather than any romantic connection.
Today it’s one of the island’s quieter beach communities, offering peaceful beaches, birdwatching, kayaking through coastal marshes, and spectacular sunrise views over the Atlantic.
Succasunna
Succasunna’s unusual name comes from a Lenape phrase believed to mean “land of black stones,” referencing the area’s historic iron deposits.
The surrounding region offers hiking trails, lakes, golf courses, and historic mining sites that helped shape New Jersey’s industrial history.
Moonachie
Moonachie likely derives from the name of a Lenape chief or a similar Native American word.
Although much of the borough is industrial, it’s located next to the Meadowlands, where visitors enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, sporting events, concerts, and family attractions.
Allamuchy
Believed to mean “place within the hills,” Allamuchy lives up to its name with rolling landscapes and abundant outdoor recreation.
Nearby Allamuchy Mountain State Park features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, horseback riding, camping, and some of New Jersey’s best fall foliage.
Buckshutem
Buckshutem remains one of South Jersey’s biggest naming mysteries. Historians believe the name may have Native American origins, but no definitive explanation exists.
The surrounding countryside is known for wildlife, birdwatching, fishing along Delaware Bay, and scenic rural drives.
Foul Rift
Named after dangerous rapids that once made travel on the Delaware River difficult, Foul Rift reflects an important piece of New Jersey’s transportation history.
Today it’s popular with anglers, kayakers, hikers, and visitors seeking scenic river views.
Bargaintown
Bargaintown reportedly earned its memorable name after developers advertised inexpensive lots to prospective buyers.
Its convenient location near Ocean City makes it a great base for beaches, wineries, golf courses, breweries, and family attractions along the Jersey Shore.
New Egypt
Legend says the area’s exceptionally fertile farmland reminded early settlers of ancient Egypt following an unusually productive harvest.
Today the community offers small-town charm, local farms, seasonal markets, nearby Six Flags Great Adventure, and Revolutionary War history.
Tuckahoe
Tuckahoe comes from the Lenape word for an edible aquatic root often called the “Indian potato.”
Visitors enjoy boating along the Tuckahoe River, local wineries, wildlife viewing, and rides aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines excursion railroad.
Weehawken
Weehawken is believed to mean “place of gulls” or “rocks that look like trees.”
The township boasts some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, along with waterfront dining, Hamilton Park, and the famous dueling grounds where Alexander Hamilton was mortally wounded.
Ong’s Hat
Few names generate as much curiosity as Ong’s Hat, an abandoned Pine Barrens settlement surrounded by folklore. Local legend says it was named after a man who lost—or threw—his hat into a tree.
The area later became famous through stories involving secret experiments and alternate dimensions. Today, visitors come to explore the Pine Barrens’ forests, hiking trails, canoe routes, and historic ghost towns.
Mount Misery
With a name worthy of a horror movie, Mount Misery has inspired ghost stories for generations.
Located within Wharton State Forest, it’s a favorite destination for hiking, paddling cedar rivers, camping, photography, and exploring abandoned iron villages hidden among the pines.
Key Points
- Many of New Jersey’s unusual place names originated from Lenape words, early settlers, and colorful local legends.
- Several of these communities are gateways to state parks, beaches, historic sites, and outdoor recreation.
- A road trip through these uniquely named destinations offers a glimpse into the state’s rich history and folklore.
