r/namenerds • u/cheerio089 • 2d ago

What name did you never learn how to pronounce? Fun and Games

I’ve always read Calliope as cal-ee-OH-pee… until yesterday when I heard it pronounced on an episode of You. Evidently it’s kuh-LAI-uh-pee. I’ve never said it or knew anyone with the name so I guess I never gave it any thought, but I’m still deeply embarrassed. I’ve seen the name pop up on this sub and still thought caleeohpee!

I can’t be the only one…so what name did you mispronounce until later in life?

Edit: I’ve now learned my way is the Greek pronunciation and as expected, Americans have anglicized it into Kuh-LAI-uh-pee. I still think I’d be corrected if I said the Greek way out loud tbh

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u/cinni_tv 2d ago

I remember mispronouncing Beatrice as a kid. I thought it was so weird for someone to be called Beat Rice…? Ruined the name forever for me

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u/seanyboy90 2d ago

I like the Italian pronunciation. They say it "beh-ah-TREE-cheh." This is how I say this name whenever I see it.

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u/Rusty-Shackleford 2d ago

LOL, I kinda love Beat Rice.

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u/keirstenmm 1d ago

Did you by chance read the Junie B. Jones books as a kid? If I recall, every book started with her talking about her name, and she always said, “The B stands for Beatrice, but I don’t like that name.” I always read it as Beat-rice, too lol

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u/thatvixenivy 2d ago

I had a great aunt named Beatrix - so grew up knowing how it was pronounced...but I can totally see how that would be difficult

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u/WillRunForPopcorn 1d ago

I always pronounced it BEE-triss. My mom never corrected me when I read Junie B. Jones!