Idaho
11 Baby Names That Are 100% Forbidden in Idaho
When the name game becomes a comedy of errors…
Have you ever wondered why some parents give their babies names that sound like they were pulled from a Scrabble bag mid-earthquake? Do they think it predestines their little ones to be a child star because they’ve got a name that sounds like an ultra rare Pokémon?! Maybe.
Or, maybe it’s that they think a unique name will give their kid an extraordinary head start in life. Whatever the reason, it’s a recipe for playground mockery in the making…especially in Idaho.
Idahoans love a good punchline.
In Idaho, naming your kid something outlandish for the sake of being, well, outlandish, is an invitation to be the punchline of many a joke at the local diner.
What you perceive as fresh, quirky, or original might make your neighbors think you took a long walk off a short pier before you conceived your kid. Because, let’s be honest, it’s one thing to stand out, but it’s another to have a name that sounds like a sneeze or looks like a typo auto corrected missed.
The Oh-No! Name List
If you didn’t know, Idaho actually has a list of names you just can’t use. They’re legitimately banned/illegal! We spill the beans on which ones in the gallery below, but no joke, these names are why Idaho lawmakers stepped into the baby name game.
These laws are intended to spare Idaho kids from a lifetime of embarrassment, “What did you say your name was?” and “Can you spell that?” moments.
If you’re an Idahoan who’s toying with the idea of naming your kid something that looks like your cat walked across the keyboard, maybe don’t.
It’s fine if you love the idea of little Covidia running around, AKA your not-so-subtle-nod to having a pandemic baby. Just know the rest of us are probably gonna think you’re B-A-N-A-N-A-S! 😆
Scroll for…
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A look at 11 baby names that are 100% forbidden in Idaho
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Horses need turn signals?! A look at Idaho’s 7 weirdest laws
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7 of Idaho’s most blown-off & forgotten traffic laws
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19 bizarre but fascinating things Idahoans can be buried with
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The nifty speeding loophole more Idaho drivers should use
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A look at 20 bizarre sex laws on the books in Idaho & California
Illegal Names You Can’t Name Your Baby In Idaho
Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews
Horses Need Turn Signals: 7 of Idaho’s Strangest Traffic Laws
If you’re new to Idaho, welcome!
Before you buckle up and hit the road, make sure you’re aware of the Gem State’s strangest road rules! From school bus concerns to how to handle horses in traffic, scroll for a list of helpful things to know behind the wheel in Idaho.
Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela
Boise’s 7 Most Blown-Off & Forgotten Traffic Laws
Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela
19 Bizarre Things You Can Be Buried with In Idaho & 2 You Can’t
Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela
20 Bizarre Idaho & California Laws About Love & Sex
Let’s talk about sex laws, Cali & Idaho.
Apparently, these two have a mouthful to share about how, where, and when their residents are having sex. And with whom. And with…what 😳
Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela
The Nifty Speeding Loophole More Idaho Drivers Should Use
Did you know Idaho residents can do 15 mph over the speed limit to pass a slow car on the highway? It’s true! But this handy loophole doesn’t give us a free pass to speed whenever we want.
Scroll on for the do’s and don’ts of Idaho’s passing loophole…
Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela
Idaho
Gas dips 10 cents in one week across Idaho as Iran ceasefire hangs in the balance
BOISE, Idaho — Gas prices across the Gem State dropped 10 cents compared to the previous week, according to AAA.
The drop comes amid a volley of missile and drone attacks between Israel and Iran over the weekend that caused diplomats to worry that the ceasefire was breaking down. On Monday, both sides seemed to pull back and pause strikes on the other following pressure from neighboring nations in the Middle East and the United States.
Still, markets appear to remain hopeful that a lasting ceasefire and ultimately, an end to the conflict is within sight, as the price of crude oil continues to calm.
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Idaho is currently pegged at $4.51. Last week, the average price sat at $4.61/gallon. While the drop is noticeable, it bears mentioning that gas was a whole $1.22 cheaper one year ago than it is today in the Gem State.
In terms of the most expensive gas in the United States, Idaho currently ranks #9.
The cheapest fuel in the U.S. is currently found in Indiana at $3.43/gallon. The most expensive is in California at $5.89/gallon.
“The crude market has calmed a bit this week, which is helping gas prices fall, and it’s been interesting to see that while pump prices are much higher than a year ago, demand is stable,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “If gas prices fall again this week, we may be able to avoid the demand destruction that was initially feared as we kick off the summer.”
Idaho gas prices as of 6/8/26: Courtesy of AAA
- Boise – $4.43
- Coeur d’Alene– $4.37
- Franklin –$4.49
- Idaho Falls –$4.40
- Lewiston –$4.44
- Pocatello –$4.58
- Rexburg– $4.51
- Twin Falls –$4.67
ALSO READ | Trump says the 100-day-old Iran war doesn’t betray his ‘no new wars’ campaign promise
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Idaho
Filer quarterback commits to College of Idaho
FILER, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Filer High School quarterback Tristan Rea announced his commitment to College of Idaho.
Rea finished the season with 25 touchdowns, 136 completions and 2,023 passing yards.
He earned KMVT Player of the Week honors twice. Against Battle Mountain, he went 14 for 23 passing with five touchdowns and 359 passing yards. He also ran the ball four times, pushing his total yardage to just under 400.
The Coyotes ended their season with an 11-2 record at the NAIA semifinals.
Copyright 2026 KMVT. All rights reserved.
Idaho
10 Most Hospitable Towns In Idaho
Idaho reaches beyond its rugged wilderness into hospitable towns built around lakes and old main streets. Sandpoint pairs Lake Pend Oreille with the Panida Theater. McCall brings Payette Lake, Brundage Mountain, and its Winter Carnival. Wallace keeps silver-mining history alive beside the Route of the Hiawatha. Driggs opens into Teton Valley, while Stanley sits beneath the Sawtooths near Redfish Lake. The towns ahead combine outdoor access with festivals and welcoming downtowns that make each trip feel easy.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint serves as a premier example of Northern Idaho hospitality, balancing a tranquil lakeside atmosphere with a creative arts scene. The town sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and provides a friendly environment for families. After spending a morning boating or swimming in the largest lake in the state, visitors often head to Schweitzer for skiing or mountain biking. This outdoor energy carries over into the local culture at the historic Panida Theatre, which acts as a hub for live performances. To round out the day, the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market includes boutique shops and cafes for those seeking community warmth and water-based recreation.
McCall
McCall is a mountain resort known for its friendly “lake life” culture and alpine scenery. The town remains a popular destination for those seeking nostalgia and modern recreation, starting with Ponderosa State Park. Here, travelers find diverse hiking trails and beaches for swimming in Payette Lake before attending the McCall Winter Carnival. This popular annual event showcases snow sculptures and festive parades that celebrate the season. Beyond the winter festivities, Brundage Mountain Resort is a favorite for its consistent powder. For a different perspective, McCall Lake Cruises gives a guided sightseeing tour that shares the history of the region while drifting across the water.
Driggs
Driggs embodies the authentic Western spirit, serving as the commercial heart of the Teton Valley. It gives a relaxed, community-focused alternative to busier resort areas, particularly for guests visiting the nearby Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming. Known for deep snow and a family-oriented vibe, the resort is a major draw, yet the local culture shines during the annual Driggs Plein Air Festival. This event invites artists to paint the landscape outdoors, while the nearby Teton Geo Center has interactive exhibits on regional history. To see the valley from above, the Teton Aviation Center allows enthusiasts to take scenic glider rides or visit the on-site museum to view historic aircraft.
Wallace
Wallace is a historic silver mining town that prides itself on a quirky personality and well-preserved architecture. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, allowing guests to step back in time. On the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, visitors travel underground on a trolley to learn about mining heritage before cycling the Route of the Hiawatha. This rail-to-trail mountain bike path crosses the Bitterroot Mountains, leading back to a landmark manhole cover downtown that marks The Center of the Universe. To finish the historical journey, the Wallace District Mining Museum houses artifacts detailing the Silver Valley and the Great Fire of 1910.
Moscow
Moscow offers a welcoming college-town ambiance, driven by the presence of the University of Idaho. It is frequently referred to as “Fest City” due to a calendar packed with community performances and events. The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden has walking paths through diverse plant collections, which provide a bridge to the award-winning Moscow Farmers Market. Held every Saturday, this market features local produce, crafts, and live music. Musical heritage continues at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, which brings performers to the area. Additionally, the Appaloosa Museum celebrates the history of the horse breed and its cultural ties to the Nez Perce people.
Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry is often cited as one of the friendliest towns in the state, with a calm environment near the Canadian border. Nature lovers typically begin at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, which gives exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and spotting moose. After exploring the refuge, the Boundary County Museum downtown displays artifacts from the Kootenai Tribe and early settlers. The town is also a key stop on the International Selkirk Loop, a scenic drive that displays the views of the Cabinet Mountains and Selkirk ranges. Nearby, the Kootenai River is a local focal point, popular for calm-water fishing and photography from the community’s many historic bridges.
Stanley
Stanley is a remote mountain town that offers a warm welcome to travelers passing through the rugged Sawtooth Mountains. Redfish Lake has a historic lodge and white-sand beaches with views of Mount Heyburn, serving as a gateway to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This paradise for backcountry travel has over 700 miles of hiking trails for every skill level. Between hikes, the Stanley Baking Company and Cafe is a local institution where residents mingle over homemade pastries. For a different experience, Boat Box Hot Springs has a riverside soaking tub made from a repurposed mining cauldron, giving a viewpoint to admire the wide river views.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a world-renowned destination that maintains a tight-knit, walkable feel. The Sun Valley Resort, site of the world’s first chairlift in 1936, offers skiing and summer golf, but the local culture reaches far beyond the slopes. Fans of literature can visit the Ernest Hemingway Memorial near Sun Valley Lodge and Hemingway’s grave at Ketchum Cemetery to pay their respects. For music lovers, the Sun Valley Pavilion is an outdoor venue that hosts free orchestral concerts during the summer months. To conclude a trip, a visit to Bald Mountain, known locally as “Baldy,” offers challenging ski runs and panoramic views of the skyline, making it a primary cultural destination.
Priest River
Priest River is a scenic timber town situated where the Priest River meets the Pend Oreille River. Logging history built this community, and the Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center provides a deep dive into that heritage. After learning about the local industry, residents and visitors alike gather at The Mudhole for an afternoon of picnicking and swimming. Just a short drive north, Hill’s Resort on Priest Lake is a primary destination for those visiting the area for its traditional lodge feel. The nearby Selkirk Mountains have extensive forest service roads and trails for off-roading, hiking, and seasonal huckleberry picking in a largely undeveloped environment.
Preston
Preston is a thriving agricultural community in Southeast Idaho that rose to fame through the film Napoleon Dynamite. Visitors can follow a tour map to see filming locations, including the local high school, before shifting focus to the Preston Night Rodeo. This major highlight of the summer calendar provides entertainment for all ages. For those interested in regional history, the Bear River Massacre National Historic Landmark gives an educational look at a significant event in the West. Finally, Bear River Hot Springs, formerly Riverdale Resort, has hot spring pools and waterslides five miles north of Preston in the Riverdale Valley, providing a friendly atmosphere for families and road trippers.
The Heart Of Idaho Communities
The hospitable towns of Idaho demonstrate that the state is more than just a wilderness destination; it is a collection of welcoming communities. Lakeside retreats like Sandpoint and McCall illustrate how residents embrace their natural surroundings to create an inviting environment for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile, historic centers such as Wallace and Moscow highlight a commitment to preserving local heritage and fostering a community spirit. These destinations show a blend of traditional values and modern amenities, proving that Idaho’s best assets are its people and their enduring spirit of neighborly kindness.
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