What are Some Hilariously Bad House Names in the UK and Globally?

The world of house names is laced with humor, irony, and sometimes outright frustration. These amusing platitudes or confusing monikers can add a whimsical twist to your daily life. Let’s dive into some hilariously bad or amusing house names from the UK and beyond, and explore what makes them memorable and sometimes regrettable.

UK House Names

The United Kingdom is home to a plethora of creative and sometimes bewildering house names. Here are a few examples that stand out:

When it’s clearly a modern house: Why name a contemporary home after something that suggests an era gone by? Sounds ominous for a cozy home: There’s nothing cozier than a house named after something that hints at doom or danger. A bit too on the nose: It’s as if the owners couldn’t think of something more fitting for their house name. If it’s not in a Tolkien-themed area, it’s just confusing: Names that are only understandable in certain thematic contexts can be perplexing. Not exactly inviting: Some names can be off-putting and fail to capture the warm and welcoming essence of a home. Implies that the owners are running out of options: A name that suggests the owners are struggling to come up with something better won’t inspire confidence. A cheerful name for a peaceful retreat: When a house name is overly cheerful and doesn’t match the reality, it can be disappointing. If it’s not a party house, it can be misleading: Names that suggest a festive atmosphere can be misleading and confusing.

International House Names

House names are a global phenomenon, and sometimes they just don’t translate well. Here are a few examples from around the world:

USA: Sound like a horror movie setting. Names that give the impression of a haunted or ominous place might not be the best selling point. USA: Not a great selling point. Names that don’t have a positive connotation can be a turn-off for buyers. Australia: A cheeky nod to a book, but it can be confusing for non-readers. References that are clear to book enthusiasts might not resonate with everyone. Various: Unless it’s actually haunted, it’s not very enticing. Names that hint at supernatural or creepy elements can be off-putting. Various: Sounds like a hideout for villains. Names that evoke a sense of mystery or danger can be misleading and unappealing.

Real-life Examples of Hilariously Bad House Names

These names often evoke humor through their incongruity, irony, or just plain oddness, making them memorable and sometimes regrettable choices for house names.

Polly Villa

There's one along the road from me which will be a delight to DIY fans...

Polly Villa

I guess they had a lot of repairs to do when they bought it.

St. Fagos

One I saw many years ago was 'St. Fagos.' I had the opportunity when passing to ask who the saint was since I’d not heard the name before. I was told it was an acronym:

S

T

F

That

F

or

A

Game

O

f

S

oldiers

Apparently, it was what her father used to say when her mother asked him to do anything he thought was too much trouble.

Dunromin

A corny old one is 'Dunromin.' It's a name that adds a touch of whimsy but often with little connection to the actual house.

Glè àrd

There's a bungalow near me called glè àrd which translates to really tall. Which, of course, a bungalow is not. This name is a humorous anachronism and a play on words.

Thie Beg and Shithouse

There's an English couple who named their cottage 'Thie Beg.' This translates to 'little house' but in the local dialect, it's used as the common name for the outside toilet. So they called their cottage a 'shithouse,' creating a humorous but unusual name.

Corfe Mullen and Tufty Twat Beavers Lane

I live in a village called Corfe Mullen. The last house in the village is called 'Far Corfe.' It was owned by a professional footballer. When I worked in a post room, I saw a letter addressed to 'Tufty Twat Beavers Lane.' We found this hilarious. It's a play on words and a nod to local culture, making it unforgettable.

House names can be a source of endless amusement and sometimes they just don't quite work out. Whether it's a matter of irony, confusion, or a name that's simply too on the nose, these examples demonstrate the unique and often humorous nature of house nomenclature. So the next time you drive past a name that doesn’t quite fit, take a moment to chuckle or shake your head in disbelief. After all, it's just part of the fun!