Pennsylvania is rich in history, culture, and… absolutely mind-bending town names. Whether rooted in Native American languages, German origins, or just pure local uniqueness, these places are guaranteed to confuse tourists, new residents, and yes—even your GPS.
If you’ve ever heard your navigation system stutter, mispronounce, or just give up entirely, it was probably trying to say one of these. Here are 11 Pennsylvania town names that’ll make your GPS question its life choices.
1. Wilkes-Barre
How it looks: Wilks-Bar
How it’s pronounced: Wilks-Berry (yes, really!)
Most people say it wrong, even in-state. It’s not “Wilks-Bear” or “Wilks-Bar.” Locals will correct you kindly—or not-so-kindly.
2. Bala Cynwyd
How it looks: Ba-la Kin-wid?
How it’s pronounced: Bala Kin-wood
This Philly suburb sounds like something out of a Tolkien novel. Your GPS might throw in an extra syllable for fun.
3. Punxsutawney
How it looks: Punk-su-tawn-ey
How it’s pronounced: Punk-suh-TAW-nee
Made famous by the groundhog, this one still gives newcomers a challenge—and makes your GPS sound like it’s glitching.
4. North Versailles
How it looks: North Ver-sigh
How it’s pronounced: North Ver-SALES
The locals gave it an American twist, completely ignoring the French pronunciation. Don’t argue—just go with it.
5. Schuylkill Haven
How it looks: School-kill? Shy-kill?
How it’s pronounced: SKOO-kull Haven
Schuylkill is a Pennsylvania classic—used in multiple place names and a major river. Say it wrong, and people will definitely notice.
6. Monongahela
How it looks: Mon-on-ga-hela
How it’s pronounced: Muh-non-ga-HAY-la
This one’s long and twisty—but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like a true Pennsylvanian.
7. Conshohocken
How it looks: Con-sho-hock-en
How it’s pronounced: Con-sha-HOCK-en
Locals affectionately call it “Conshy,” probably because no one wants to attempt the full version more than once.
8. Ephrata
How it looks: Eh-frah-ta?
How it’s pronounced: EFF-ra-tuh
A small town with a big pronunciation twist. Your GPS might get stuck trying to process this one.
9. Dubois
How it looks: Du-bwah (if you’re going French)
How it’s pronounced: Doo-BOYCE
Once again, French pronunciation gets tossed aside in favour of a Pennsylvania remix.
10. Lititz
How it looks: Lit-itz
How it’s pronounced: LIT-its
Yes, it sounds funny. Yes, your GPS might say it awkwardly. And yes, the locals are very used to hearing jokes about it.
11. Jeanette
How it looks: Easy, right?
How it’s pronounced: Juh-NET
Though this one isn’t too wild, your GPS will often say JEE-nette—and locals will definitely laugh at that.
Pennsylvania’s town names are part of what makes the state so charming—and so confusing. Whether you’re exploring the backroads, visiting a groundhog, or just trying to find your way home, don’t be surprised if your GPS struggles to keep up.
The only real solution? Learn to laugh, ask a local for help, and maybe practice a few of these names in front of a mirror before your next road trip.
SOURCES
- (https://957benfm.com/2025/08/14/this-pennsylvania-town-is-super-hard-to-pronounce/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5HJEuY-ppE)
- (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI3_tdUgt-d/)
