How to pronounce names

Every language encodes its pronunciation into its spelling, but each language does it differently. When a name crosses from one language into English, its spelling stays put while English readers try to read it with English rules — and that is where the trouble starts. Siobhan is not "sy-OB-han", Joaquin is not "JAY-kwin", and Renault is not "reh-NALT".

This guide organises names by language of origin so you can learn the spelling rules of each one. Learn five rules for Irish, four for French, and a handful for Spanish and Japanese, and you will be able to read most names you encounter rather than guessing.

Irish spelling rules: bh/mh = v; slender s (before e/i) = sh; ao = long ee; c and g are always hard; fada (´) marks a long vowel. See the full Irish names guide for detailed rules.

Spanish spelling rules: J = guttural h (like clearing your throat); ñ = ny; ll = y (in most dialects); stress falls on the penultimate syllable unless an accent mark says otherwise; g before e/i = guttural h.

French spelling rules: Final consonants are usually silent; stress falls on the last pronounced syllable; g before e/i = zh; the nasal vowels (an, on, in) add a nasalised quality to the vowel.

Japanese spelling rules: Japanese is largely phonetic — each syllable is pronounced as written. The main issue for English speakers is unfamiliar clusters like ts and double vowels/consonants. Stress is relatively even across syllables.

Indian name patterns: Most Indian names are stress-timed with stress on the first syllable. The h after t, d, p and k marks aspiration (a puff of air), not a separate syllable. The sh in Lakshmi is one sound, not two.

African names span many languages. Igbo, Yoruba, Akan, Swahili, Zulu and Amharic each have their own spelling conventions. The common pattern is that names carry meaning (Kwame = "born on Saturday", Zuri = "beautiful"), so learning one name often teaches you a word.

Celebrity names often combine the rules of their language of origin with English pronunciation habits. Saoirse Ronan uses the anglicised SUR-sha; Timothée Chalamet keeps the French stress. When a celebrity adopts a particular pronunciation, that becomes the standard — ask if unsure.

Q: What if I mispronounce someone's name?
A: It is always fine to ask. Most people appreciate the effort and will gladly correct you. A simple "How do you pronounce your name?" is never rude — it is respectful.

Q: Should I try to use the original language pronunciation?
A: It depends on context. In a formal setting with someone from that culture, using the original pronunciation shows respect. In casual English conversation, the anglicised pronunciation is usually fine. The key rule is: the pronunciation a person uses for themselves is the correct one.

Q: Why do some names have multiple correct pronunciations?
A: Names travel between languages, and each language adapts them to its own sound system. Saoirse is SEER-sha in Irish, SUR-sha in anglicised form, and SOR-sha is also common. Regional dialects, family preference, and personal choice all play a role. There is rarely one single "correct" way.

Irish Names — detailed rules for Irish spelling and pronunciation. How to Pronounce Names — the general method for any name in any language. Indian English Pronunciation — features of Indian English as a variety.

Read slowly first. Pronounce each syllable deliberately before trying to blend them at full speed. Rushing hides the vowel and consonant shapes your ear needs to learn.

Record yourself. Most phones have a voice memo app — record a word, then compare it to the playback here. Hearing the gap between your version and the model accent makes targeted practice far easier.

Focus on one accent. Jumping between American, British and Australian in the same session creates confusion. Pick the accent you encounter most and stick with it until the patterns feel natural.

Every word above is a button. Set the accent and voice you want on the main screen, then come back — the guides use whatever you chose. To hear two accents against each other, use Compare; to test whether you can actually hear a contrast, use the listening quiz.