The Towns With the Longest Names in America

In a country as sprawling and diverse as the United States, you’d expect some colorful town names. But beyond the usual small-town oddities—like Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, or Intercourse, Pennsylvania—there’s a subset of towns that grab attention for a different reason: the sheer length of their names.

From tongue-twisters rooted in Native American languages to whimsical portmanteaus designed to stand out on the map, these US towns hold the distinction of having the longest names in the country. Many of them are quiet, off-the-beaten-path communities with big personalities—and even bigger welcome signs.

Here’s a look at some of the towns with the longest names in America, the stories behind them, and what makes each one unique.

Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, Massachusetts

• 44 letters – The longest place name in the US

Yes, it’s real. Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, located in Webster, Massachusetts, holds the record for the longest place name in the United States—and one of the longest in the world. Often referred to more manageably as Lake Webster, the 44-letter name comes from the Nipmuc language, a dialect of the Algonquian peoples.

The name is often (lightheartedly) translated to mean “You fish on your side, I fish on my side, and nobody fishes in the middle,” though this isn’t linguistically accurate. The name more likely refers to “fishing place at the boundaries.”

Aside from the name, Lake Webster is a beautiful freshwater lake covering more than 1,400 acres. It’s popular for boating, fishing, and kayaking, and the quirky sign featuring the full name is a selfie hotspot for travelers passing through southern Massachusetts.

Beaufort-by-the-Sea, North Carolina

• 20 characters (including hyphens and spaces)

Though often shortened to just Beaufort, the historic town on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast has long used the poetic title Beaufort-by-the-Sea in tourism materials and local lore. While not officially its legal name, the extended version has appeared on everything from marketing campaigns to historical markers—earning it a spot among America’s lengthiest town names by usage.

Founded in 1709, Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina and was originally known as Fishtowne. The name Beaufort (pronounced BOH-fert here, unlike its South Carolina counterpart) was adopted later to honor Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort.

Beaufort is a gem of the Inner Banks, known for its picturesque harbor, historic homes, and connection to Blackbeard the pirate. The North Carolina Maritime Museum, nearby Rachel Carson Reserve, and waterfront dining scene make it a favorite for East Coast travelers looking for a mix of history and laid-back charm.

Mooselookmeguntic, Maine

• 17 letters

Nestled in Maine’s Rangeley Lakes region, Mooselookmeguntic is one of the longest single-word place names in the United States. Like many long US place names, this one is rooted in Native American language—believed to mean “moose feeding place” in Abenaki or similar Algonquian dialects.

Mooselookmeguntic is not technically a town but refers to both Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the unincorporated community surrounding it. Regardless, its name appears on maps and signs and is considered a proper geographic location.

The lake is part of the famous Rangeley Lakes chain and is a serene spot for canoeing, fishing, and nature watching. Bald eagles, loons, and—yes—moose, are commonly spotted in the area. The name adds a dash of quirky charm to a wilderness getaway.

Kleinfeltersville, Pennsylvania

• 17 letters

Kleinfeltersville is the longest one-word town name in Pennsylvania. Located in rural Lebanon County, the town’s name honors the Kleinfelter family, early German settlers who founded the community in the 18th century.

Today, Kleinfeltersville is best known for the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a magnet for birders each spring as hundreds of thousands of snow geese and tundra swans stop over during migration. The town’s long name and peaceful scenery make it a surprising stop for nature lovers.

And yes, you can still mail a letter with a Kleinfeltersville postmark—there’s a small post office serving the community.

Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri

• 21 characters (including the space)

Located just outside St. Louis, Bellefontaine Neighbors has one of the longest two-word official town names in the country. The name derives from French, meaning “beautiful fountain,” a nod to the region’s French colonial history.

The “Neighbors” portion was added in the mid-20th century when the town was incorporated as a residential suburb, symbolizing its welcoming, community-oriented values.

Bellefontaine Neighbors is a quiet suburb with a mix of mid-century neighborhoods, green spaces, and family-owned businesses. It’s also close to Bellefontaine Cemetery—one of St. Louis’s most historic cemeteries, where famous figures like William Clark (of Lewis and Clark) are buried.

Winchester-on-the-Severn, Maryland

• 24 characters (including hyphens)

This waterfront enclave in Anne Arundel County is a residential neighborhood that also happens to have one of the longest hyphenated place names in America. Winchester-on-the-Severn gets its elegant title from its location on the Severn River, combined with the historic-sounding “Winchester,” likely borrowed from the British city of the same name.

Though private and largely residential, the area is known for its scenic views, access to boating, and proximity to Annapolis, the capital of Maryland. The name gives it a certain aristocratic flair, belying its laid-back, Chesapeake Bay vibe.

Rancho Santa Margarita, California

• 22 characters (without spaces)

This planned community in Orange County may not strike you as a record-holder, but with 22 letters (and a strong Spanish linguistic influence), Rancho Santa Margarita earns its place among America’s longest town names.

The name honors Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, the 19th-century Mexican land grant that once covered this area. Translated, it means “Saint Margaret’s Ranch.”

Modern Rancho Santa Margarita is a master-planned suburb known for its scenic foothills, family-friendly neighborhoods, and access to hiking trails in the Santa Ana Mountains. It’s a prime example of how old names live on in thoroughly modern towns.

Why Do These Names Matter?

Long town names often originate from Native American languages, European influences, or administrative quirks—and they tell layered stories of immigration, land rights, development, and even humor. These names aren’t just oddities; they’re reflections of American history and cultural geography.

They also offer a window into how communities define themselves. Some embrace the novelty (like Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, with its T-shirts and mugs), while others quietly preserve heritage in their signage or oral traditions.

Big Names, Small Town Stories

America’s longest town names are more than alphabetic anomalies—they’re pieces of living history. Whether it's a Native name tied to ancient fishing grounds or a compound title born of 20th-century real estate ambition, each one carries a unique cultural imprint.

So the next time you're driving through rural Maine or small-town Pennsylvania, pay attention to the road signs. That place with a name too long to fit on a single line just might be worth the detour.