Washington is famous for its tongue-twisting, indigenous-inspired, and downright perplexing town names—many of which will leave your GPS (and possibly you) utterly baffled. Here are ten Washington town names that are likely to cause an existential crisis for your navigation system:
1. Puyallup (pyoo-AL-up)
Pronounced “pyoo-AL-up,” this name is a classic head-scratcher for newcomers and GPS voices alike.
2. Sequim (SKWIM)
Pronounced “SKWIM,” this coastal town’s name is frequently butchered, even by GPS systems.
3. Wenatchee (wen-ATCH-ee)
Pronounced “wen-ATCH-ee,” it’s a common mispronunciation magnet.
4. Okanogan (oh-KAN-uh-gan)
Pronounced “oh-KAN-uh-gan,” this name is often confused with the Canadian province.
5. Chelan (shuh-LAN)
Pronounced “shuh-LAN,” it’s short but tricky.
6. Pend Oreille (PAWN-do-RAY)
Actually a county, but “Pend Oreille” is so hard to pronounce that even locals get it wrong sometimes.
7. Guemes (GWEE-mis)
Pronounced “GWEE-mis,” this island’s name is a real test for non-locals.
8. Humptulips (HUMP-tuh-lips)
Pronounced “HUMP-tuh-lips,” this name is as fun to say as it is confusing for GPS.
9. Qui-nai-elt (kwi-NAILT)
Pronounced “kwi-NAILT,” this village’s name is a variation on Quinault and is notoriously difficult.
10. Aeneas (ANN-ee-us)
Pronounced “ANN-ee-us,” this unincorporated community is often mispronounced and overlooked.
These names reflect Washington’s rich Native American heritage and quirky local history—and are guaranteed to give your GPS a run for its money.
Sources:
- https://kw3.com/pronunciation-challenge-washington-towns/
- https://97rockonline.com/washington-tongue-twisting-towns/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-05-26-the-most-mispronounced-cities-towns-in-washington/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-bizarrely-named-towns-in-washington.html