Peculiar Names: Leola

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is full of communities with peculiar names. This series examines their curious etymology. Next up: Leola.

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Nestled in Lancaster County’s Upper Leacock Township lies a small village with a name as unique as its history—Leola. What many might not know is that this quaint community once went by a completely different moniker.

The evolution of Leola’s name is a fascinating tale of community and compromise. Originally known as Batten’s Corner and part of the larger area of Bareville, it wasn’t until June 10, 1896, that it became its own entity. The effort to rename the village sparked considerable local debate. Residents proposed the names Glenolde and Glenola, which beautifully captured the essence of their community but, unfortunately, clashed with existing station names along the railroad.

The solution?

A creative blend that would come to define the village—Leola. This portmanteau was ingeniously crafted by taking ‘Le’ from Leacock and merging it with ‘ola’ from Glenola.

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Want to Learn More?

Read about other Lancaster County towns with peculiar names, such as Bird-in-Hand, Blue Ball, Intercourse, and Paradise.

Resources

• Leola, Pennsylvania
• Historical Sketch of Upper Leacock Township

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