The Top 5 Longest Place Names You Need To Know

The world is filled with fascinating places, some of which boast incredibly long names that are not only tongue-twisting but also intriguing. From scenic beauty to historical significance, these names carry a story of their own. So, grab a deep breath, because we’re about to dive into the world’s longest place names that might just challenge your pronunciation skills!

1. Azpilicuetagaraycosaroyarenberecolarrea

Kicking off at number five is this 39-letter marvel from Spain. While it’s not quite the longest, it’s still impressive! Situated in Azpilkueta, Navarra, this Basque name translates to “The low field of the high pen of Azpilkueta.” Navarra, one of the greenest regions in Europe, is known for generating over 70% of its electricity from renewable resources—a role model for sustainable living.

2. Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein

In fourth place, we have this 44-letter gem from South Africa, located in the North West province. The name, which means “The spring where two buffaloes were cleanly killed with a single shot,” holds the record for the longest one-word place name in Africa. South Africa is known for its long place names , and this one even inspired a song on Anton Goosen's 2014 album Putonnerwater.

3. Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg

Third place is claimed by this 45-letter name from the United States. Located in Webster, Massachusetts, this lake is often referred to by its shorter, easier name—Lake Chaubunagungamaug. Derived from the Nipmuck language, it translates to “Fishing Place at the Boundaries – Neutral Meeting Grounds.” It’s also the longest official one-word place name in the U.S. and even made a cameo in the TV show Gilmore Girls.

4. Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch

Coming in second with 58 letters is a location in Wales, often shortened to Llanfair PG or Llanfairpwll. This name means “Saint Mary’s Church in a hollow of white hazel near the swirling whirlpool of the church of Saint Tysilio with a red cave.” Famous for being Europe’s longest place name, it has even been featured in the 1960s cult classic film Barbarella.

5. Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

And the champion of long place names is this jaw-dropping 85-letter behemoth from New Zealand. Known simply as Taumata, this Māori name translates to “The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who traveled about, played his nose flute to his loved one.” According to the Guinness World Records, it holds the title of the world’s longest place name. It has been referenced in songs, including a Mountain Dew jingle!

So next time you complain about entering a lengthy address, spare a thought for those living near these marathon monikers—whether they’re Kiwis at the summit of Tamatea or Welshmen catching a train at Llanfair PG. While there are plenty of other long place names around the globe, these five truly take the crown for being tongue-twisting titans!