“What’s in a Name?” – The Origins of Costa Rica’s Funniest and Most Unusual Town Names
If you’ve ever looked at a map of Costa Rica and done a double take at town names like Zapote, Palo Seco, or Veinticinco de Abril, you’re not alone. While many countries have their fair share of quirky place names, Costa Rica takes it to another level. Some sound like fruit, others like medical conditions, and a few seem like the result of someone naming a town while slightly sunburned and sleep-deprived. But behind each oddball name is a story—sometimes historical, sometimes Indigenous, and sometimes just plain hilarious.
There’s charm in a country that names a village after a calendar date or calls a seaside spot “Big Bag.” These are more than labels on a signpost—they’re time capsules of local lore, cultural mash-ups, and inside jokes passed down through generations. From the poetic to the puzzling, the reasons behind Costa Rica’s strangest town names reveal a lot about how Ticos see their world: with humour, history, and a healthy appreciation for the unexpected.
Why does Costa Rica have such unusual town names?
Costa Rica’s most entertaining town names come from a blend of Indigenous languages, Spanish influences, historic events, and rural storytelling. The result? Place names that often spark double takes, giggles, or questions like, “Wait… that’s really what it’s called?”
Some of the most curious and oddly charming town names include:
- Zapote – named after a sweet, soft fruit but sounds like something you’d shout before a slap.
- El Coco – “The Coconut,” sure, but also the name of the mythical bogeyman used to scare kids at bedtime.
- Tamarindo – named for the tamarind tree but now better known for beach bars and surfing breaks.
- Nosara – thought to come from Chorotega roots, loosely translated as “you’re not going anywhere” (many expats didn’t).
- Ojochal – “Big Eye,” likely a reference to pirate lookouts or watchful locals.
- Aguacaliente – “Hot Water,” both a literal nod to nearby springs and an awkward thing to say you’re from.
- Palo Seco – “Dry Stick,” which somehow sounds like either a weather forecast or an insult.
- Bolsón – “Big Bag,” a geographic reference or a joke that got out of hand.
- Cuajiniquil – meaning “milky water” in Indigenous tongues, but a mouthful for first-time visitors.
- Veinticinco de Abril – literally April 27th, a town named after the day a land reform changed everything.
Why is there a town called “Twenty-Seventh of April” in Guanacaste?
Yes, Veinticinco de Abril is a real place. It’s named after a land reform decree issued on April 25th during the 1970s, when the Costa Rican government redistributed unused land in Guanacaste. For the people who received parcels to build a life on, that date marked a turning point. They didn’t name their town after a saint or a scenic tree—they named it after hope delivered by bureaucratic paperwork.
It might sound odd, but naming a town after a calendar date isn’t unheard of in Latin America. In this case, it’s a direct nod to a government action that changed lives. While it may confuse GPS systems and postal workers, for locals it’s a proud reminder of the moment their future took root.
What are the roots of these strange-sounding names?
Most quirky Costa Rican town names trace back to Indigenous languages, colonial-era descriptions, and evolving pronunciations that shifted over centuries.
- Indigenous terms were often adapted or misheard by Spanish colonists.
- Names came from local landmarks—trees, rivers, animals—or odd events.
- Some are straight-up inside jokes that no one expected would become permanent.
Over time, names that started as practical or even comical just stuck. And no one seems in a rush to change them—after all, what’s more memorable than a town named after a dry stick?
How do Costa Ricans feel about living in towns with funny names?
They take it in stride—and often with a wink. Locals are proud of their towns and see the names as part of their identity. In fact, unusual names often serve as great conversation starters.
These names also have some surprising perks:
- They make smaller towns stand out to travellers.
- They’re hard to forget, especially for those looking for unique destinations.
- They reflect the Costa Rican love of wordplay, storytelling, and not taking life too seriously.
Whether it’s a fruit, a calendar date, or something utterly inexplicable, Costa Rica’s town names are as colourful and welcoming as the people who live there.
FAQs
Q: Is “Veinticinco de Abril” really a town name?
A: Yes, it’s a real town in Guanacaste, named after a land reform decree issued on April 27th in the 1970s.
Q: Why do some town names sound like fruit or animals?
A: Many were named after local trees, crops, or wildlife—Zapote, Tamarindo, El Coco—all with cultural or geographic meaning.
Q: Are these names official or just nicknames?
A: They’re official and appear on maps, road signs, and even in government registries.
Q: Do locals ever want to change the names?
A: Rarely. Most communities wear their quirky names as a badge of honour.
Q: Are these places worth visiting?
A: Absolutely. They often offer authentic experiences far from the usual tourist trail—plus, great stories to bring home.
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