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20 Communities in Jamaica with Odd Names

Jamaicans have a unique gift for turning serious situations into something humorous. This talent often extends to the way they name their places, drawing from local events and circumstances. Below are some funny named communities in Jamaica that Jamaicans have given to their communities, each with its own story and charm.

  1. Nonsuch, Portland
  2. Above Rocks, St. Catherine
    • Perched high above its surroundings, Above Rocks provides spectacular views. The name evokes images of a community set on elevated terrain, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle below.
  3. Gimme-Me-Bit, Clarendon
    • Gimme-Me-Bit is a quiet rural village located near the historic Milk River Spa. The name might be perplexing, but the village’s main economic activity is cattle farming. It certainly is a name that sticks with you!
  4. Mocho, Clarendon
  5. Pratville, Manchester
  6. Porus, Manchester
  7. Race Course, Clarendon
    • Originally the site of horse racing events, Race Course retains its name from those early days. Today, it’s a peaceful community with echoes of its spirited past.
  8. The Corn Puss Gap, St. Thomas
    • Found in St. Thomas, Corn Puss Gap got its name from a legend where a lost hiker caught, ‘corned’, and ate a cat to avoid dying of starvation. There may be zero truth to this story, but it sure led to a funny Jamaican place name.
  9. Wait-A-Bit, Trelawny
    • Wait-A-Bit is located in rural Trelawny. This community earned its name from the wait-a-bit thorn, known locally as “makka.” This prickly bush is notorious for leaving scratches or getting caught in clothing. It’s a name that perfectly captures the local flora’s sense of humor.
  10. Me-No-Sen-You-No-Come, St. Elizabeth
    • Me-No-Sen-You-No-Come, a village deep in the Cockpit Country, literally means “If I don’t send for you, don’t come.” Founded by runaway slaves, this community thrived despite colonial attempts to destroy it. Today, it’s a testament to resilience and self-sufficiency.
  11. See-Me-No-More, Portland
    • Located in Portland, this community’s name comes from its deep valley. Before roads were built, anyone crossing the valley would disappear from view, hence the name. It’s a place where you could easily vanish from sight!
  12. Labour-In-Vain, St. Elizabeth
    • Known as the Breadbasket Parish, St. Elizabeth’s district of Labour-In-Vain is where crops are particularly difficult to grow due to the lack of rain. The name reflects the challenging farming conditions.
  13. Harry Watch, Manchester
    • This rural district was named after Harry, who guarded a great house during slavery. Formed from six English colonists’ properties, Harry Watch is now a tiny farming district with essential services for its residents.
  14. Time and Patience, Trelawny
    • Located in Trelawny, this community was established after the abolition of slavery in 1838. The name reflects the belief that time and patience can work wonders, embodying the community’s optimistic spirit.
  15. Flagaman, St. Elizabeth
    • No one agrees on how Flagaman got its name. One story attributes it to a British admiral’s ship, while others say it’s a corruption of “flog a man,” possibly referring to disputes or local love stories. Either way, it’s a name that invites speculation.
  16. Fat Hog Quarter, Hanover
    • Named for the large number of hogs that used to populate the area, Fat Hog Quarter is a reminder of its agricultural past.
  17. Dolphin’s Head, Hanover
    • When looked at from east to west, the 1789 ft. mountain resembles a dolphin’s nose, face, and fins. It’s a natural wonder that inspired its whimsical name.
  18. Arawak, St. Ann
    • Named because of Arawak (Taino) remains found there, Arawak in St. Ann pays homage to Jamaica’s indigenous heritage.
  19. Far Enough, Clarendon
    • This community’s name comes from the phrase “far enough from courts and kings,” credited to a Scotsman who sought a peaceful retreat.
  20. Tan an’ See, Trelawny
    • Meaning literally ‘stand and see,’ Tan an’ See offers beautiful views of open land, inviting visitors to pause and take in the scenery.

These names not only mark geographical locations but also tell stories and evoke the rich cultural tapestry of Jamaica. Each name has a tale behind it, reflecting the history, humor, and heritage of the Jamaican people.

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Beth
Beth
1 month ago

These are such fun names! Gimme Bit and Wait a Bit are fun. Far Enough is a pretty great name, too.

Kimberley Asante
Kimberley Asante
1 month ago

What a fun and fascinating read! These quirky community names in Jamaica not only add character but also tell unique stories about their origins. I especially enjoyed the tales behind names. Thanks for sharing these gems!

Catherine Kay
Catherine Kay
1 month ago

This post about the 20 communities in Jamaica with odd names is both intriguing and fun! It’s fascinating to learn about the unique and quirky names of these places.

Renata Feyen
Renata Feyen
1 month ago

This was such an entertaining read! I loved learning how Jamaicans inject humor and history into their place names. Each community’s story adds so much charm and character. Well done!

Richard Lowe
Richard Lowe
1 month ago

I love the stories behind the names of locations. Every local has similar stories, and Jamaica’s names are super interesting.

Fransic verso
Fransic verso
1 month ago

This is interesting to know about these odd names and communities. Jamaica is always full of awesome things to discover.

April Nicole
April Nicole
1 month ago

I love discovering the unique and quirky names of these Jamaican communities! It’s fascinating to learn about the history and stories behind them. This list truly showcases Jamaica’s vibrant culture and heritage.

Sonia Seivwright
Sonia Seivwright
1 month ago

I love this one, Me-No-Sen-You-No-Come. I understood that one instantly. hahaha

Melanie E
Melanie E
1 month ago

That certainly was an interesting and different post. These are all very unusual community names.

Olga
Olga
1 month ago

Aw, it is so funny article. Thank you for making me smile and relax after a long day.

Marysa
Marysa
1 month ago

All such fun names! It is neat to peruse the list and to see some of the different names — there are certainly some unusual ones on your list!

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Nikki Wayne
Nikki Wayne
29 days ago

This is entertaining to read. The odd names is cute also because of it uniqueness. This is my first time knowing this all, thanks for sharing this many people has added this to their knowledge.

Neely Moldovan
Neely Moldovan
27 days ago

Such fun and interesting names! I had no idea! I have never been to Jamaica but I would love to!

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