If you’re new to Illinois—or just passing through—prepare to have your tongue twisted. While some town names look simple enough on paper, pronouncing them the Illinois way is a whole different challenge. Local names often have French roots, Native American influences, or just plain odd pronunciations that defy logic.
Here are 11 Illinois place names that’ll definitely trip you up. Think you can pronounce them right on the first try? We dare you.
1. Cairo
Pronounced: KAY-ro
Forget everything you know about the Egyptian capital. In Illinois, it’s not Ky-ro, it’s KAY-ro—like the corn syrup.
Local tip: Mispronounce it and you’ll instantly be called out.
2. Des Plaines
Pronounced: Dess-Planez
Looks French, but don’t go fancy with it. It’s not Day Plen or Deh Plah-nay. Just stick with Dess-Planez.
French origin? Yes. French pronunciation? Not a chance.
3. Marseilles
Pronounced: Mar-SALES
The French city is Mar-say, but Illinois says Mar-SALES. And yes, they are very serious about it.
Say it wrong in town, and you’ll definitely get “the look.”
4. Versailles
Pronounced: Ver-SALES
Again, not like the famous French palace. Here in Illinois, it’s Ver-SALES, rhyming with “sales”.
Pattern: If it’s French, Illinois is going to say it however they want.
5. Milan
Pronounced: MY-lan
You’re probably thinking of MEE-lahn (Italy), but Illinois puts a twist on it: MY-lan, rhyming with “island”.
Surprised? That’s how Illinois rolls.
6. Joliet
Pronounced: JOH-lee-ET, not JOL-yet
It may look easy, but stress matters. Locals put the emphasis on the last syllable—JOH-lee-ET.
Misplace the emphasis, and you’ll sound like a tourist.
7. San Jose
Pronounced: San JOEZ
Don’t even think about using the Spanish San Ho-ZAY. In Illinois, it’s proudly San JOEZ.
It sounds wrong, but it’s 100% right—around here.
8. Athens
Pronounced: AY-thens
Nope, not ATH-ens like the Greek capital. In Illinois, it’s AY-thens—rhyming with “say-thens”.
Illinois likes to remix ancient cities.
9. LaMoille
Pronounced: Luh-MOYL
You might want to say La-Mwah or something fancy, but it’s simply Luh-MOYL. Keep it simple.
One of many names that look French but sound Midwestern.
10. Monticello
Pronounced: Mon-tuh-SELL-oh
Not like the famous Jefferson home (Monti-CHELLO), but rather Mon-tuh-SELL-oh.
Illinois pronunciation rule: Just say it wrong—and you’ll be right.
11. Saunemin
Pronounced: SAW-nuh-min
This one stumps even some Illinoisans. Looks weird, sounds weirder—SAW-nuh-min. Say it fast and confidently.
Locals will forgive you… eventually.
Illinois has a habit of taking familiar names and putting its own spin on them. Whether it’s French, Native American, or just totally made-up sounding, these towns prove one thing: pronunciation rules don’t apply here.
If you’re moving to Illinois or just passing through, learn these local versions—or prepare to be lovingly corrected by a proud Illinoisan.
SOURCES
- (https://publish.illinois.edu/pronunciation-guide/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-y_VHhHCC0)
- (https://archive.org/stream/pronunciationgui00brow/pronunciationgui00brow_djvu.txt)
