7 Bizarrely Named Towns In New Jersey
New Jersey is a state that is full of character, whether you find it at any one of its numerous diners or, more broadly, in cities like Newark, Atlantic City, or Trenton. The story of a place can also be found in a name, but some of New Jersey's small towns may have you questioning what exactly that kind of story is.
Today, we will take a look at some of this coastal state's weirdest and wackiest geographical titles and demystify how they came to be.
Ho-Ho-Kus
The borough of Ho-Ho-Kus in Bergen County stands out for its otherworldly name, which has sparked hot debate about its origins over the years. Some historians believe it derives from a Delaware Indian phrase meaning “the red cedar,” while others suggest it references a Lenape term for "running water." Another theory ties the name to the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, which flows through the area.
Regardless of where it got its name, its historic downtown is a nice little tourist destination not too far from New York City. It includes the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, originally built in 1796, which has served as a stagecoach stop, private residence, and restaurant over the centuries.
The borough also maintains a surprisingly large amount of green space, with the nearby Saddle River County Park providing walking and biking trails in this otherwise densely populated part of the country.
Loveladies
Loveladies, a small community on Long Beach Island, owes its name to a 19th-century hunting lodge rather than any romantic origins. The lodge was owned by Thomas Lovelady, whose surname inspired the name of the area. When a railroad stop was established nearby, the sign mistakenly read “Loveladies” instead of “Lovelady’s,” and the name simply remained since.
Today, Loveladies is known for its quiet beaches and high-end neighborhoods, attracting visitors and residents alike looking for a peaceful coastal retreat. This small community is also home to other notable local attractions, like the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, which hosts a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year.
Buttzville
Buttzville, an unincorporated community in northern New Jersey's Warren County near the convergence of the Pequest and Delaware Rivers, has a name that is often the butt of many jokes. But leave any bummy assumptions behind, as it is one of the most scenic areas in the state, one that is certainly worth checking out for any nature and outdoor enthusiasts who love fishing, paddling, and hiking.
Founded in 1839 by Michael Robert Buttz, the town was named in his honor. Despite the humorous connotations today, the name was a straightforward tribute to the Buttz family, who were early settlers in the region.
Buttzville is now essentially a small stop along Route 46 that is also best known for Hot Dog Johnny’s, a world-famous roadside eatery that has been serving deep-fried hot dogs and birch beer since 1944.
Cheesequake
Cheesequake is another small unincorporated community, this time in Middlesex County, about a half-hour's drive south of Newark. The origin of its title is not quite unclear, but historians believe it may stem from the native Lenape word "Cheseh-oh-ke," possibly meaning “upland village” or “land that has been cleared.” Over time, English settlers adapted the name and formed it into its current, more food-sounding form, though it has no connection to cheese or cake, unfortunately.
The area is best known for Cheesequake State Park, a unique natural preserve that straddles the boundary between New Jersey’s coastal and inland ecosystems. The park is home to a variety of salt marshes, hardwood forests, and rolling hills, making it an idyllic spot to explore not too far from some of the nation's busiest cityscapes. You are welcome to hike its trails, swim in Hooks Creek Lake, or learn more about the area in its interpretive center, which highlights the region’s natural and Native American history.
While the name seems a bit goofy to newcomers, Cheesequake serves as a reminder of New Jersey’s deep indigenous roots and the linguistic transformations that shaped many of the state's geographical titles.
Egg Harbor
Egg Harbor Township is one of the oldest settlements in the United States, dating back to 1614 when Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobsen Mey arrived in the area and found an abundance of shorebirds and waterfowl eggs along the marshes. He named the region “Eyren Haven,” which translates to “Egg Harbor.” Over time, the name evolved into its current anglicized form.
Originally encompassing a much larger area, Egg Harbor Township was gradually divided as surrounding communities, including the renowned Atlantic City, separated into their own municipalities. Today, it remains a sprawling township with a mix of suburban development and tons of green spaces encompassing coastal wetlands, beaches, and wooded areas.
The township is also notable as being the home to Storybook Land, a family-friendly amusement park with fairy-tale-themed rides.
Double Trouble
The town of Double Trouble was once a flourishing 19th-century sawmill operation, now preserved as a historic site. The unusual name is believed to have originated in the 1770s when the mill’s dam broke twice in a short period. Frustrated workers began referring to the place as having “double trouble,” and the name stuck. Today, the area is protected as Double Trouble State Park, home to a preserved cranberry farming village and Pine Barrens wilderness.
The area is now preserved as Double Trouble State Park, which, as mentioned, protects a historic village and thousands of acres of Pine Barrens wilderness. The park features remnants of a cranberry farming community, including a restored packing house and restored workers' cabins. You can also explore along a network of trails through the area's unique cedar swamps and pine forests, with many opportunities for wildlife spotting and paddling along Cedar Creek, too.
New Egypt
New Egypt shares its name with the famous North African country, but its origins don’t stem from any Egyptian connections. The name likely dates back to the 1800s as a biblical reference or due to the area's agricultural promise. One local anecdote credits George Washington with the name: when troops procured much-needed grain from the area during the Revolutionary War, Washington reportedly said they had found “a second Egypt,” referencing the biblical land of abundance.
Despite its grand name, New Egypt is a quiet rural area with no significant downtown or commercial center. It sits near Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, a popular spot for hiking and camping, and is not far from the Wharton State Forest, a major park within the expansive New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Experience these Strange-Sounding Jersey Towns Today
The cool thing about the majority of the places we have highlighted above is the fact that they have attractions that go beyond just their wacky names. From wonderfully scenic parks to fascinating museums and historic landmarks, it is definitely worth the drive to find out more about any of these towns. If you live in New Jersey or are just visiting, these destinations easily double as travel recommendations on top of simply being curiously named locales.
