Most People Don’t Know The Meaning Behind These 8 Town Names

Did you ever wonder how Arizona’s settlements received their names? Sometimes the origin isn’t quite what you expect. Here’s a look at the meaning behind some of Arizona’s cities and towns. You just might be surprised!

A Subset/Flickr

The name Ash Fork is believed to originate from a small grove of ash trees growing in the area. The name was given by the Santa Fe Railroad’s superintendent, F.W. Smith in 1883.

Official City of Buckeye AZ/Facebook

Buckeye’s name comes from a nearby canal named after the very lovely Ohio, which is known as the Buckeye State. In 1910, the city took on this name as well.

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Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr

This mining town dates to 1863 and the name refers to silver chloride found in the area, one of the many minerals found here.

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City of Eloy/Facebook

There are two origins of this city’s name. The main story about the name origin comes from the railroad, which was known as the East Line of Yuma. The acronym ELOY was used on blueprints, maps, and eventually the train stop and town that grew here. The city also suggests that the name "eloy" is a European word for "the chosen one."

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Raquel Baranow/Flickr

Did you think this town was named after the extinct prehistoric animal? It was actually named for the nearby Mammoth Mine and its camp back in 1872.

Ivgotit/Wikimedia Commons

The name Oracle comes from a local mine that was named for a ship several founding prospectors traveled aboard, The Oracle. The name was later used for the community that developed near the mine, and for the town itself.

Prayitno/Flickr

The name for this city is pretty straight forward since it received its name in the same way many other Arizona did: it was named after a prominent person. In Page’s case, it was named after John C. Page, a commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation.

Ken Lund/Flickr

Some people may think this town received its name for its weather but in reality it was named for its two founders, Erastus Snow and William J. Flake.

Well, I think some of those weren’t quite as weird as I was anticipating but they still have interesting origins! If you’re curious about some oddly named streets in Arizona, then you’ll want to read: Here Are 14 Crazy Street Names In Arizona That Will Leave You Baffled.