Longest And Shortest City Names
Some cities have names so long that you might need a few extra breaths to get through them, while others keep it simple with just a couple of syllables. It's like a battle between the marathon runners and the sprinters of the world's city names. So, first, let's look at the ten cities with the longest names.
1. Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
You know it as Bangkok, but its full name is a mouthful: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. Translation? It goes, “The Great City of Angels, the Supreme Unconquerable Land of Great Kings, the Royal Capital adorned with Nine Precious Gems, the City of Happiness abounding in an Enormous Royal Palace that resembles the Heavenly Abode where the Reincarnated God reigns, a City bestowed by Indra and built by Vishnukarma.” Yes, that’s how long it is.
Alejandro Cartagena 🇲🇽🏳🌈 on Unsplash
2. Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala’s capital, often shortened to Trivandrum, has a name that means “City of Lord Ananta.” It’s home to stunning temples, backwaters, and a world-famous treasure hoard hidden in the vaults of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
3. San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca
This Argentine city’s name is practically a paragraph. It pays tribute to both San Fernando and the valley in which it's situated. With colonial-era cathedrals and Andean views, the region is also famous for its agricultural production, particularly in fruits like olives and grapes.
Federico Gomez Aghetta on Wikimedia
4. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Sri Lanka’s legislative capital may have one of the world’s longest city names, but it’s still often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Colombo. Locals usually shorten it to “Kotte” because who has time for all those extra letters? Saying the name feels like reciting a royal decree.
5. Dolores Hidalgo Cuna de la Independencia Nacional
This city isn’t just long in name—it’s packed with history. "Dolores Hidalgo, Cradle of National Independence" marks the spot where Miguel Hidalgo’s famous cry for freedom ignited Mexico’s fight for independence in 1810. It’s a must-see for history lovers (and anyone daring enough to try pronouncing it).
Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata on Wikimedia
6. Norwood Young America
This Minnesotan city has a name that sounds like two towns couldn’t decide on just one—and that’s exactly what happened. In 1997, Norwood and Young America merged, giving birth to a town with a name that’s as unique as its history.
Gabriel Vanslette on Wikimedia
7. Rancho Santa Margarita
California is full of Spanish-named cities, but Rancho Santa Margarita stands out for its elegance (and length). However, it sounds like the name of a premium tequila, Rancho Santa Margarita is actually one of California’s newest cities, incorporated in 2000.
8. Vila Real De Santo Antonio
With a name fit for royalty, Vila Real de Santo Antonio means “Royal Town of Saint Anthony.” Founded in 1774, this Portuguese town was built entirely from scratch following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. It was designed to be a model city, featuring a grid layout inspired by Enlightenment-era urban planning.
Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL on Wikimedia
9. Truth Or Consequences
A city named after a game show? Absolutely. In 1950, Truth or Consequences host Ralph Edwards promised nationwide fame to any town willing to adopt the show’s name. Hot Springs, New Mexico, took the bait. It’s been living with this quirky title ever since, making road signs read like an existential dilemma.
10. Visakhapatnam
Commonly called Vizag, Visakhapatnam is one of India’s longest-named cities, as well as one of its most important coastal industrial hubs. The name is derived from Visakha, which is linked to a local temple, and its history stretches back thousands of years.
1. Roy
Roy, Utah, might be small in name, but it holds a rich history in the Weber County area. This city, with just three letters, is known for its beautiful residential areas. While it’s mostly suburban, it offers easy access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
2. Ada
A quaint little city, Ada is the beating heart of the Chickasaw Nation. Ada is also home to East Central University, giving the small town a youthful energy. Its name might be three letters long, but the experiences you'll have in Ada are bound to be much longer-lasting.
3. Rye
Not to be confused with the grain, Rye, New York, is a charming coastal city. It is situated along the Long Island Sound, offering its residents and visitors serene waterfront views. This small city is known for its stunning parks, including the beloved Rye Playland amusement park.
4. Zap
If you thought Zap, North Dakota, was just a quirky name, think again. The city gained national attention in May 1969 during an event known as the "Zip to Zap." It's located in Mercer County, which has become a major hub for the oil industry.
In memoriam afiler on Wikimedia
5. Tea
Tea, South Dakota: the name alone makes you want to take a breather. But don't be fooled—this city, though tiny in name, is packed with charm and is steadily growing. It’s the type of place you’ll stumble upon and immediately feel at home.
6. Ely
Ely is a former mining town in Cambridgeshire with a rich history tied to iron ore. The city is home to the Ely Renaissance Village, where people can take a step back in time and experience the historic aspects of the town. It’s also a popular base for visitors traveling to the Boundary Waters.
7. Ava
This small city in Missouri is known for its outdoor recreation, with the nearby Mark Twain National Forest offering hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The city itself is welcoming and family-friendly, with a tight-knit community that hosts numerous events throughout the year.
8. Van
A charming town with a no-nonsense name, Van, Texas, has a population that's as tight-knit as its name is short. Located in the East Texas region, it offers all the warmth and hospitality you’d expect from Texas, wrapped up in a name that’s as easy to remember as it is to pronounce.
No machine-readable author provided. Billy Hathorn assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
9. Jay
Jay, Oklahoma is a three-letter dynamo in a world of longer names. It’s proof that brevity doesn’t have to mean a lack of character. With its simple name, Jay manages to stand out for its strong community spirit and welcoming nature.
10. Ord
Ord may only have three letters, but don’t let that fool you—this Nebraska city is brimming with character. Known as the "Gateway to the Sandhills," it’s a place that appreciates its simple name and the natural beauty of the Great Plains.
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