Delaware may be small, but its place names can be surprisingly tricky to pronounce—especially if you’re not a native or long-time local. Many towns and landmarks have unique pronunciations that often catch visitors and even newcomers off guard. Here are 10 Delaware places that people almost always mispronounce, along with tips on how to say them right.
1. Newark
Unlike the New Jersey city pronounced “New-erk,” Delaware’s Newark is pronounced “New-ark” (two distinct syllables). Locals emphasize the “ark” sound rather than blending it into one quick syllable.
2. Lewes
Often misheard as “Lews,” this historic coastal town is pronounced “Lew-is”. It was named by William Penn after an English town, and the extra syllable is important to get right.
3. Smyrna
Smyrna trips up many who say “Smeer-na” or “Suh-mer-na.” The correct pronunciation is “Smern-a”, with a short, clipped middle syllable.
4. Hockessin
This name surprises visitors who often say “Hock-ess-in.” The right way is “Hoe-kess-in”, with the first syllable sounding like “hoe,” reflecting its Quaker origins.
5. Frederica
Locals say “Fred-er-ick-a”, avoiding variations like “Fred-reek-a.” Despite the formal pronunciation, there’s some flexibility among residents.
6. Houston
Different from Texas’s “Hew-ston,” Delaware’s Houston is pronounced “House-ton”, named after Delaware lawyer and politician John W. Houston.
7. Port Mahon
This small area’s name is often mispronounced as “May-hone.” The correct local pronunciation drops the “e” sound at the end, making it “May-hon”.
8. Townsend
Often misread, Townsend should be pronounced as “Towns-ind”, not “towns-end.” It reflects the unique local accent patterns that favor clipped endings.
9. Milford
Visitors sometimes say “Mil-ford,” but locals twist the ending, saying “Mil-furt” with a softer “t,” a classic example of Delaware’s informal pronunciation style.
10. Loockerman (Street in Dover)
This street’s pronunciation defies the spelling. Locals say “LOCK-er-man”, with a hard “k” sound and emphasis on the first syllable, unlike what one might expect at first glance.
Why Delaware Place Names Can Be So Tricky
Many of these surprising pronunciations stem from Delaware’s rich history, linguistic influences, and regional dialects. Names have roots in English, Dutch, and Native American languages, and over time, variations in speech have honed how names are spoken locally. Some pronunciations are softened or clipped, others preserve syllables that outsiders tend to drop.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re visiting or just want to impress locals, try saying these names with the correct pronunciations. Most Delawareans appreciate the effort—even if it takes a few tries to get it right!
Mastering these pronunciations is a fun way to connect with the state’s heritage and show respect for the colorful personalities of its towns.
Whether you grew up in Delaware or are just passing through, these place names will challenge your tongue—but we dare you to say them correctly on your first try!
This insider guide to Delaware’s trickiest place names is sure to spark curiosity and maybe even a chuckle for anyone unfamiliar with the First State’s unique local lingo.
Sources
[1] https://history.delaware.gov/2024/01/18/a-guide-to-commonly-mispronounced-delaware-places/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2q4DPi3D_M
[3] https://www.jagranjosh.com/us/trending/list-of-hardest-town-names-to-pronounce-in-each-us-state-1860000816
[4] https://www.rd.com/list/mispronounced-city-names/
[5] https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/experience/america/2019/09/09/50-u-s-towns-that-are-hard-to-pronounce-fontainebleau-to-sevierville/39994103/
