Cornwall isn’t just famous for its stunning coastline and pasties, it’s also home to some hilariously quirky place names!
From oddly descriptive to outright funny, these “Funny Cornish Place Names” are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Buckle up for a light-hearted tour of Cornwall’s most entertaining village names, each with its own charm and giggle-worthy twist.
The Benefits of Choosing Funny Cornish Place Names
- Memorability: Funny names stick in the mind, making locations more memorable for visitors and locals.
- Tourism Boost: Quirky names draw curious travelers, sparking interest and exploration.
- Conversation Starters: These names ignite laughter and fun stories.
- Cultural Identity: They preserve Cornish humor and heritage, showcasing regional charm.
Funny & Creative Cornish Place Names
1. Brown Willy
A hill in Cornwall, its name comes from the Cornish term “Bronn Wennili,” meaning “hill of swallows.”
2. Ventongimps
A small hamlet, its name derives from Cornish words likely meaning “spring or well of Gimps.”
3. Cockwells
A village with a name that refers humorously to “cock” as a rooster and “wells,” likely referencing water sources.
4. Nancherrow
This name means “valley of deer” in Cornish, highlighting nature and wildlife in the area.
5. Porkellis
A Cornish village, its name translates to “pool of the fort” or something similar, rooted in historical references.
6. Praze-an-Beeble
This name translates to “meadow of the pipe/conduit,” likely referring to an old water supply system.
7. Splat
A tiny settlement, the name humorously resembles the sound and playfulness associated with its simplicity.
8. Quethiock
A picturesque village, its name originates from Cornish words referring to its wooded or natural surroundings.
9. Creegbrawse
Translating roughly to “rocky hill of the banks,” this name reflects the local rugged terrain.
10. Blowinghouse
This old mining area’s name likely refers to the “blowing houses” used to ventilate and power smelters or furnaces.
11. Splatt
Meaning “a patch of land,” this name humorously evokes images of something suddenly dropped or flattened.
12. Gweek
Derived from the Cornish word for “village,” its short and quirky sound makes it memorable.
13. Pityme
An amusing name that seemingly invites sympathy, though its origins may relate to woodland or marshy areas.
14. Nancegollan
Meaning “valley of the holly,” this name combines nature with a lyrical Cornish twist.
15. Ventongimps
Translates to “farm of the narrow valley” but sounds unexpectedly playful and amusing.
Old Cornish Place Names
1. Treleigh
Meaning “village on a slope,” this name reflects the area’s hilly terrain.
2. Zennor
Derived from the name of Saint Senara, it signifies cultural and historical importance.
3. Polzeath
Translates to “dry pool,” referring to a specific coastal feature.
4. Bodmin
Meaning “home of monks,” this name echoes religious heritage.
5. Lanner
Derived from “area of heathland,” indicative of the local landscape.
6. Tintagel
Translates to “village on a mountain,” famously tied to Arthurian legend.
7. Stithians
Meaning “place of stepping stones,” this name relates to a natural crossing.
8. Tregony
Signifying “village of reeds,” it reflects the area’s natural flora.
9. Penryn
Derived from “promontory,” it highlights a geographical feature.
10. Marazion
Meaning “Wednesday market,” it hints at Old Cornish trade activities.
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Rude Cornish Place Names
1. Brown Willy
Meaning “bare hill,” referring to the highest point on Bodmin Moor.
2. Booby’s Bay
Named after a type of seabird, the booby, despite its amusing modern interpretation.
3. Come-to-Good
Originally meaning “valley of peace,” though it evokes a humorous twist today.
4. Cocks
A simple name derived from Old Cornish, possibly referencing roosters.
5. Fanny’s Lane
Named after a personal name, “Fanny,” common in historical records.
6. Water-Ma-Trout
Possibly derived from “water meadows near trout streams,” though the name often raises a smile.
7. Splatt
Refers to a “plot of land,” rather than its modern humorous connotation.
8. Menacuddle
Meaning “loving hill,” though it amuses with its affectionate tone.
9. Bottoms
Derived from “valley bottoms,” referencing the lower terrain.
10. Piddle
Likely referring to a trickling stream in the area.
Strange Cornish Place Names
1. Booby’s Bay
Named after the seabird “booby,” not its modern humorous interpretation.
2. Cox Hill
Refers to a hill owned or associated with someone named Cox.
3. Brown Willy
Derived from Cornish “Bron Wennyly,” meaning “hill of swallows.”
4. Cripplesease
Believed to mean “haunt of wild animals” in Cornish.
5. Ventongimps
Translates to “farmstead of a person named Gimps.”
6. Skinners Bottom
Refers to an area at the bottom of land associated with skinners.
7. Nancegollan
Means “valley of the holly trees” in Cornish.
8. Zennor
Derived from the Cornish word “Senara,” a saint’s name.
9. Praze-An-Beeble
Translates to “meadow of the pipes” in Cornish.
10. Quoit
Named after ancient burial mounds resembling the shape of a quoit.
Unusual Cornish Place Names
1. Treen
Comes from the Cornish word “Treen,” meaning a farm or settlement.
2. Tregony
Translates to “village of the king” in Cornish.
3. Polperro
Means “Pyra’s cove or harbor” in Cornish.
4. Constantine
Named after Saint Constantine, an early Cornish saint.
5. Mousehole
Believed to derive from its small, narrow harbor resembling a mouse hole.
6. Coverack
Means “stream or creek” in Cornish.
7. Porthcurno
Translates as “cove of the horns” due to its geography.
8. Lamorna
Refers to the valley of the stream named Mora.
9. Gweek
Means “forest village” in Cornish.
10. Mawgan
Named after Saint Mawgan, an early Christian missionary.
