Most People Don’t Know The Meaning Behind These 10 Wyoming Towns’ Names

We love finding out new fun facts about Wyoming. There's so much to learn about our beautiful state! For example, what's in a name? There are some weird town names in Wyoming, and if you've ever wondered about the meaning behind these strange Wyoming town names, we've got all the inside scoop. We scoured the state and compiled a list of Wyoming town names that are unique, interesting, and, sometimes quite baffling. For example, what is Meeteetse's meaning? Read on to find out!

1. Meeteetse

Most people have probably wondered about Meeteetse's meaning. It's a strange word, and one of the oldest settlements in Buffalo Bill's Cody/Yellowstone Country. Meeteetse is a Native American phrase that means "meeting place."

2. Arapahoe

Arapahoe is in Fremont County, and the name comes from the Pawnee word for "trader."

3. Wapiti

Located in Shoshone National Forest, Wapiti is derived from the Cree Indian word for elk. The name literally translates to "white rump," referring to the pale rump and tail of the American elk.

4. Thermopolis

Thermopolis means "hot city," and, of course, it's located in Hot Springs County and is home to many natural hot springs.

5. Teton Village

This moniker has both European and Indian roots. In French, Teton means "breast." However, many believe Teton Village is named after the Teton Sioux tribe.

6. Spotted Horse

Spotted Horse is in the Campbell County and Gillette Metro Area. It's named after a Native American chief.

7. Shoshoni

Located in Fremont County, Shoshoni is named after a Native American tribe. Shoshoni translates to "high-growing grasses," which makes sense. The Shoshoni tribes were often called Grass House People because their homes were made out of tall grass.

8. Osage

Located in Weston County, Osage is named after the midwestern Native American Siouan-speaking tribe. An ancient moniker, Osage means "mid-waters."

9. Cheyenne

Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming and is located in Laramie County. The city was named for the Cheyenne tribe and is a term meaning "people of different speech" or "red talkers."

10. Crowheart

Crowheart is located in Fremont County. The name of the town stemmed from a battle between the chiefs of the Shoshone tribe and the Crow tribe. The chief of the Crow tribe lost the battle and his heart was cut out and placed on the end of a lance.

So, how about it? How many of these Wyoming town names did you know the meaning behind? Are you familiar with any other weird town names in Wyoming? Share your thoughts in the comments!