Funny College Names That Will Make You Laugh

What comes to mind when you picture colleges — ivy-covered buildings, rigorous academics, perhaps even a few all-night cram sessions? But what about colleges with names that turn your head? I mean this comes as a shocker, but though, funny college names in institutions range from ones that have hilariously literal names to ones that sound like they deserve to be in a comedy sketch. And it’s not only the schools themselves — funny college football team names, mascots and even bowl games give it an added zest.

In this post, we’ll explore funny college names, hear the stories behind them, and make a pit-stop in the world of funny college football player names and mascots. Whether you’re an upcoming student, a sports fanatic, or just someone who likes to laugh, this one’s for you.

Why Do Funny College Names Exist?

Before we begin, let’s understand why some colleges have such bizarre or funny names? The reasons vary. Some names are rooted in history, while others are tied to local culture or even older student jokes. For example, Dragon might sound like a mythical creature, but it’s actually the mascot of Drexel University. Meanwhile, The College of the Ozarks sounds like a movie name, but it’s a real school in Missouri.

Funny college names often stem from:

1. Geographic oddities: Schools with towns or areas with strange names.
2. Historical figures: In some cases, the namesake’s legacy is … shall we say, his own.
3. Mascot madness: A silly mascot can lead to a funny nickname or even mold the school’s identity.

Notable Colleges with Funny Names

Here are some colleges whose names are as funny as their offerings:

College Name	Location	Notable Aspects
Oglethorpe University	Atlanta, Georgia	Named after James Oglethorpe, founder of the Georgia colony. Their mascot is the Stormy Petrel, a small seabird.
McDaniel College	Westminster, Maryland	Formerly Western Maryland College, renamed to honor alumnus William Roberts McDaniel. Their teams are called the Green Terror.
Emory and Henry College	Emory, Virginia	Named after Bishop John Emory and Patrick Henry. Their mascot is the Wasps.
Alfred University	Alfred, New York	Despite the name, it’s not associated with King Alfred. Their mascot is the Saxons.
Pomona–Pitzer Colleges	Claremont, California	A consortium of Pomona College and Pitzer College. Their teams are called the Sagehens.

Weirdest College Names You’ve Never Heard Of

Let’s begin with some of the weirdest college names around. These are the schools that make you think to yourself, “Who thought of this?”

1. University of Maryland Global Campus

The name itself isn’t actually funny but the acronym — UMGC — has inspired some funny nicknames like “U Must Go Crazy.”

2. The College of Wooster

Located in Ohio, the name of this school is confused with “rooster,” which has led to endless poultry-based jokes.

3. Dickinson College

Yes, it’s named after a world-famous historical character, but let’s face it, it’s also hard not to laugh at the name.

4. Slippery Rock University

This Pennsylvania school has a cartoonish name, but it’s a real (and respected) institution.

5. Cornell College

This is not to be confused with Cornell University — this Iowa-based school is often confused with its Ivy League counterpart.

5. Cornell College

Stanford Tree (Stanford University): unofficially recognized as a mascot, this mascot is a dancing tree, reflecting the university’s playful side.

Funny College Mascot Names

If you found the team names funny, just wait until you hear about the mascots. These furry (or occasionally scaly) emissaries frequently have names as whimsical as the schools they represent.

1. Sebastian the Ibis (University of Miami)

An ibis is a bird, but Sebastian sounds more like a pirate.

2. Spike the Blue Devil (Duke University):

Because a blue devil with a spiky hairdo says nothing if not “intimidation.”

3. Big Red (Western Kentucky University)

This mascot is ambitiously a giant red blob. And no explanation required.

4. Otto the Orange (Syracuse University)

5. Cornell College

Stanford Tree (Stanford University): unofficially recognized as a mascot, this mascot is a dancing tree, reflecting the university’s playful side.

Also Read: 220+ Funny Horse Names: Hilarious Ideas for Your Steed

Funny College Bowl Names

College football bowl games are another source of hilarity. Some names are plain and simple (for example: Rose Bowl); others downright kooky. Here are some few standouts:

1. The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Because nothing says “prestigious football” like a potato.

2. The Pop-Tarts Bowl

Yes, sponsored by Pop-Tarts, and yes, deliciously ridiculous as it sounds.

3. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Because who doesn’t want to win a trophy full of mayonnaise?

4. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

This bowl is devoted to Idaho’s world-famous spuds.

5. Cheez-It Bowl

A college football bowl game named after a popular cheese-flavored snack.

6. Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Sure, football plays a part, but this bowl game is mixing football and mayo in a way that puts discussion into fans’ minds more than just what is done on the field

Funny Names of College Football Players

And let’s not forget the players. College football has had its share of interesting-named athletes over the years. Here are a few classics:

1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama): Though his name sounds like punchline, his skills were excellent. 

2. Barkevious Mingo (LSU): With a name like that, he was bound for greatness.

3. Equanimeous St. Brown (Notre Dame) —  see if you can say that five times fast.
   
4. General Booty: A quarterback whose name is more like a military rank crossed with some pirate’s bounty.
   
5. Kool-Aid McKinstry: This defensive back’s name reminds us of a well-known drink, bringing some flavor to the defense.
   
6. Bumper Pool: Name like a popular billiards game that has nothing to do with his average tackles.

Funny Names for College Football Teams

Others have chosen unconventional names, bringing pageantry, character and a two-or three-dimensionality to their identities.

1. UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs: In college sports, it really takes one to know one–a school whose mascot is an ugly, slimy creature.

2. Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes-data below October 2023 This college shows that school spirit can be both fierce and green.

3. Webster University Gorloks: A creature with the paws of a cheetah, horns of a buffalo, and the face of a Saint Bernard dog, represents the mix of skills the university appreciates.

Also Read: 130+ Hilariously Funny Asian Names That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud

The Worst College Names (And Why They’re Still Funny)

There Are Some Funny College Names That Are More Equal Than Others Some are so bad they’re good. And just to give you a taste of the worst of the worst college names — but still funny:

1. Ho Ho Kus University: Where Santa Goes to School

2. University of Hard Knocks: Not an actual school, but it’s often used as a metaphor for life’s challenges.

3. The Evergreen State College: While the name itself isn’t funny, its reputation for being unconventional has led to some amusing stereotypes.
   

Why funny college Names

So if you were to read the title funny college names, you may think that this is a frivilous subject. However, if you look closely, these have a great utility. In a nutshell, they help schools become unforgettable. If Slippery Rock University were named something generic like “Pennsylvania State College,” would you remember Slippery Rock University? Probably not.

Aside from that, silly names encourage a sense of community and kinship. At Delta State University, they might kid you about being the Fighting Okra, but you better believe they take pride in it. Oh, and And let’s not forget the marketing potential—quirky names and mascots are a goldmine for merchandise sales.

Conclusion: Embrace the Strangeness

Even if that surprise is a funny college name, a crazy mascot or a bowl game sponsored by a breakfast pastry, the college is full of surprises. These quirks serve as a reminder that college is not just about academics — it’s about community, tradition and, yes, a little bit of humor.

So the next time you see a school with a funny name, take a minute to appreciate the backstory. Because life is too serious a thing to take seriously all the time for one particular activity, and we have funny college names for that.

Have a college name or mascot that makes you think, “That’s funny”? Drop it in the comments below! And if you want to know more about the weirdest schools, check out this list of unusual college names for even more laughs.