In the world of celebrities, names often become household terms. However, many of us have been mispronouncing some of these famous names for years. Here are 13 celebrities whose names you have probably been mispronouncing, along with the correct way to say them.
Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal, the Irish actor known for his role in “Normal People,” has a last name that often gets mispronounced. While many people say it like the alcoholic beverage “Mezcal,” Mescal himself clarified in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that it should be pronounced with a softer “s” and “a,” making it “Mescal.” He humorously added that if he ever launched a tequila line, he might call it “Mescal’s Mezcal.”
Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski, the model and actress, has a Polish last name that can be tricky for many. In a TikTok video during New York Fashion Week 2023, she explained that her last name is pronounced “Rat-uh-COF-skuh.” She even used playful emojis to help viewers remember the correct pronunciation.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné, the Disney Channel star, has had her name mispronounced since her childhood stardom. Most people say “Raven Sim-moan,” but in a TikTok video, she clarified that it should be pronounced “See-mon-ye Like Yay.”
Adele
Adele, the Grammy-winning singer, revealed during a Q&A session with fans that her name is often mispronounced. Instead of “ah-dell,” it should be “uh-dale.” She even complimented a fan who got it right, saying, “She said my name perfectly!”
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan, the actress known for her roles in “Mean Girls” and “The Parent Trap,” also corrected the pronunciation of her last name. In a TikTok video, she introduced herself as “Lindsay Lo-hen,” not “LO-han.”
Haim
The Haim sisters, Danielle, Este, and Alana, have a band name that often gets mispronounced. Many people say “haym” or “heim,” but in a TikTok video, they clarified that it should be “high-um.”
Zendaya
Zendaya, the actress and singer, has a name that many people get wrong. She explained to Popstar that her name is pronounced “zen-day-ah,” not “zen-die-yah.” The name derives from the Shona word for “to give thanks” and her dad’s love of Zs.
Tove Lo
Swedish pop star Tove Lo also took to TikTok to clear up the confusion about her name. While the international pronunciation is “Tohv-Loh,” she explained that the correct way to say it is “Too-vay-LOO,” similar to the French phrase “voulez-vous.”
Rihanna
Rihanna, the global superstar, has a first name that is often mispronounced. While most people say “ree-ah-nah,” she clarified in an interview with Showbiz Tonight that it should be “ree-ann-ah.”
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande, the pop sensation, left fans surprised when she revealed the correct pronunciation of her last name. In a 2018 interview with Beats 1, she said it should be “grand-ee,” not “grand-ay.”
Tana Mongeau
Internet personality Tana Mongeau corrected the pronunciation of her last name during a podcast. While many people say “Mon-goh,” she clarified that it should be “Mo-jo.”
Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone, the actress known for her role in “Clueless,” responded to a TikTok prompt to clarify her name. She explained that it should be pronounced “Ali-SEE-yuh,” not “Alee-Sha.”
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan, the actress known for her roles in “Lady Bird” and “Little Women,” used her opening monologue on “Saturday Night Live” to teach everyone how to say her name. It should be pronounced “Sur-sha.”
Anders Holm
Anders Holm, the “Workaholics” star, has a first name that is often mispronounced. While many people say “an-ders,” it should be “ohn-ders.”
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot, the “Wonder Woman” star, has a name that is easier to pronounce than you might think. She explained to Jimmy Kimmel that it should be “gahl ga-doht,” with more emphasis on the “t” at the end.
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal, the actor known for his roles in “Brokeback Mountain” and “Nightcrawler,” has a last name that is often mispronounced. While many people say “jill-en-hal,” he clarified on “Conan” that it should be “yeel-en-hall.”
Joe Manganiello
Joe Manganiello, the actor known for his roles in “True Blood” and “Magic Mike,” explained that there is no “J” sound in his last name. It should be pronounced “mang-anello.”
Jacob Tremblay
Jacob Tremblay, the young actor known for his role in “Room,” has a last name that is often mispronounced. Instead of “trem-blay,” it should be “trahm-blay.”
These celebrities have taken the time to correct the pronunciation of their names, helping fans and the media get it right. So next time you mention one of these stars, you’ll know exactly how to say their name correctly.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, TikTok, Popstar, Showbiz Tonight, Beats 1, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan, Just Jared
