Funny Place Names Across the UK

Place names can be fascinating, telling stories of history, geography, or even long-lost meanings. But some locations have names that, to modern ears, sound outright cheeky—or even a little rude. Across the UK, there are many such funny places with names that raise eyebrows and invite giggles, yet they remain part of local culture and heritage. For a bit of fun, let’s take a look at some of the most unusual and funny place names that still exist today.

Twatt, Orkney, Scotland

Twatt is a small settlement on the Orkney Islands, off the northern coast of Scotland. The name originates from the Old Norse word þveit, meaning “small parcel of land” or “clearing.” While the historical meaning is entirely innocent, modern English speakers find it difficult to ignore the word’s unfortunate similarity to a vulgar slang term.

Despite its humorous name, Twatt remains a quiet and remote part of Orkney, with stunning landscapes and a rich Viking history. Interestingly, another Twatt exists in Shetland, reinforcing the Norse roots of the term. Both Twatts have been the subject of much mirth, with road signs regularly being stolen as souvenirs.

Cock Bridge, Strathdon, Scotland

Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, Cock Bridge is a tiny hamlet in Aberdeenshire. The name, while amusing today, has nothing to do with its modern interpretation. Historically, “cock” often referred to a hill or a rooster, both of which could be relevant here.

Cock Bridge is best known for its frequent winter road closures. The nearby Lecht Pass is notorious for heavy snowfalls, making Cock Bridge one of the most weather-affected roads in Scotland. Despite the name’s amusement factor, the village itself is a beautiful, rugged spot, perfect for nature lovers.

Dick Place, Edinburgh, Scotland

Situated in the Grange area of Edinburgh, Dick Place is a street that often raises a few chuckles. However, its origin is far from risqué—it was named after Sir William Dick of Braid, a wealthy 17th-century merchant and landowner.

Edinburgh is filled with streets named after notable figures, and Dick Place is no different. While modern interpretations of the name may invite laughter, the area is a desirable residential neighbourhood, home to elegant Victorian and Georgian houses.

Cockermouth, Cumbria, England

Cockermouth, a market town in Cumbria, is one of the more famous funny and cheeky-sounding place names in England. The name comes from its location at the mouth of the River Cocker, a tributary of the Derwent. While the etymology is logical, it still elicits smirks from visitors unfamiliar with its history.

The town itself is rich in history, being the birthplace of poet William Wordsworth. With a beautiful medieval castle, charming streets, and a thriving arts scene, Cockermouth is a gem in the Lake District. Its name may cause amusement, but the town’s character and heritage are deeply respected.

Penistone, Sheffield, England

Pronounced Penn-is-tun, this South Yorkshire town has endured its fair share of mispronunciations and jokes. The name is believed to derive from Old English, with “pen” meaning a hill and “tun” meaning an enclosure or farmstead.

Despite its cheeky name, Penistone is a picturesque market town with a strong agricultural heritage. It hosts the Penistone Show, a popular agricultural event, and boasts beautiful countryside views, making it a great place for hiking and exploring the nearby Peak District.

Cock Alley, Chesterfield, England

Cock Alley is a small lane in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, a town famous for its crooked spire. While the name raises eyebrows today, “cock” was often used in old English place names to denote a bird or a prominent feature in the landscape.

Chesterfield itself is a historic town with Roman origins, a bustling market, and plenty of charming old streets. The name Cock Alley may get a few giggles, but it’s just another example of how language has evolved over time.

Butthole, Shepshed, England

Located in Leicestershire, the street name Butthole in Shepshed is one of the most amusing on this list. However, its origins are far from crude. Historically, “butt” referred to a target for archery practice, and “hole” could indicate a hollow or an entrance.

Shepshed itself is a historic market town with a rich past, dating back to the Domesday Book. While locals have become used to the name, visitors often find it difficult to say without stifling laughter.

Sluts Hole Lane, Attleborough, England

Sluts Hole Lane in Attleborough, Norfolk, is possibly one of the most eyebrow-raising place names in the UK. The true origins of the name remain uncertain, but “slut” in old English could simply mean a messy or untidy place rather than anything scandalous.

Attleborough itself is a charming market town with a long history, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Despite the provocative name, Sluts Hole Lane is just another example of how language and meanings change over the centuries.

Fingringhoe, Colchester, England

Fingringhoe is a picturesque village near Colchester in Essex. The name is believed to have Saxon origins, possibly meaning “the spur of land belonging to the people of Fingar.”

Despite its unusual-sounding name, Fingringhoe is known for its beautiful nature reserve, Fingringhoe Wick, which is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The village itself is peaceful and scenic, making it a lovely spot to visit.

Ass Hill, Wimborne, England

Ass Hill in Wimborne, Dorset, is another location where modern interpretations clash with historical meanings. “Ass” may have originally referred to a donkey or even derived from an old English word for a steep incline.

Wimborne Minster, the nearby town, is famous for its stunning twin-towered church, charming streets, and rich history. While Ass Hill’s name might generate some giggles, its surroundings are steeped in heritage and beauty.

Shitterton, Wareham, England

Perhaps the most notorious name on this list, Shitterton in Dorset has been the butt of many jokes. The name dates back to Saxon times and likely means “farmstead by the stream used as an open sewer”—a rather unappealing but accurate description of its medieval past.

Despite its unfortunate name, Shitterton is a charming hamlet, featuring beautiful thatched cottages and an idyllic rural setting. Due to frequent thefts of its sign, locals even crowdfunded to install a giant stone engraved with the name, making it theft-proof.

Why Do These Funny Place Names Still Exist?

Many of these names have origins that predate modern English, deriving from Old Norse, Anglo-Saxon, or medieval descriptions. Over time, language has evolved, and what was once a practical name now sounds amusing or inappropriate. However, these places retain their names because of local heritage, history, and, in some cases, a sense of pride in their uniqueness.

Strange and funny place names are part of what makes the UK’s landscape so fascinating. While they may make visitors laugh, they also reflect deep historical roots and linguistic evolution. Whether you’re visiting Twatt, Cockermouth, or Shitterton, remember that behind the humour, there’s a genuine and rich history to explore.

For similar posts, see my ‘Man Stuff’ category.