Pennsylvania is a state full of rich history, beautiful towns, and… wildly confusing place names. From Native American origins to old-world European influences, many of these names are impossible to pronounce correctly without insider knowledge.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we dare you to say these 11 Pennsylvania place names correctly on your first try—but let’s be honest, you probably won’t.
1. Schuylkill
Pronounced: SKOO-kill
Looks German, sounds completely different. Schuylkill County and the Schuylkill River are both common in PA—but don’t even try saying it like it’s spelled.
2. Wilkes-Barre
Pronounced: Wilks-Berry
Nope, not Wilkes-BARR or Wilkes-BAR-ay. Most locals say it quickly and softly, like “Wilks-Berry.” Say it wrong and you’ll be politely corrected.
3. Punxsutawney
Pronounced: Punk-suh-TAW-nee
Home of the famous groundhog, this one throws off a lot of people. It’s long, confusing, and definitely not phonetic.
4. Monongahela
Pronounced: Muh-nong-guh-HAY-luh
A Native American name with a twist. If you don’t emphasize the right syllables, it turns into a tongue-twister fast.
5. North Versailles
Pronounced: North Ver-SALES
Yes, it looks French—like the palace in France—but Pennsylvanians pronounce it in their own way. Try saying “North Ver-SIGH” and prepare for some side-eye.
6. Ephrata
Pronounced: EFF-ruh-tuh
Looks biblical, sounds rural Pennsylvanian. Many visitors trip over this one, adding extra syllables that don’t exist.
7. Conshohocken
Pronounced: Con-shuh-HOCK-en
Locals often call it just “Conshy,” which might be easier. But if you’re feeling brave, try the full name (and probably fail).
8. DuBois
Pronounced: DOO-boys
This one’s a classic trap. You might think it’s “Doo-BWAH” (like the French), but in PA, it’s proudly Americanized.
9. Bala Cynwyd
Pronounced: BAH-luh KIN-wid
This Philly suburb will confuse you at first glance. Welsh origins meet Pennsylvania tongue, and the result is a pronunciation you’ll never guess.
10. Lititz
Pronounced: LIT-itz
This town is as charming as its name is awkward. Just be careful saying it fast in public.
11. Reading
Pronounced: REDD-ing
Not like reading a book. This city’s name trips up newcomers all the time—especially Monopoly players used to “Reading Railroad.”
Pennsylvania place names are quirky, historic, and full of surprises. Most are rooted in old languages, regional accents, or just plain local tradition. Getting them right takes time—or insider help.
So, if you butchered half this list, don’t worry—you’re officially an outsider, and that’s totally okay. Just keep practicing, and maybe one day you’ll say “Schuylkill” like a true Pennsylvanian.
SOURCES
- (https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/1diyh0l/since_were_talking_about_pronunciation/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdTPa68kWII)
- (https://sshelco-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?vid=STLIBPA&docid=01SSHELCO_STLIBPA_ALMA2196665800003572&lang=en_US&context=L)
