Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See all Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See all Celebrity

    The 35 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See all Beauty

    13 Steps You Can Take to Stop Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Experts

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this. 
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See all Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See all Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See all Politics & Social Issues

    Of Course Kamala Harris Is Ready to Be President

    The senator has been criticized for seeming too ambitious — but that's kind of the point.
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See all Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See all Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Celebrity Chevron Right
  3. An A-Z Guide to All the Celebrity Names You Don't Know How to Pronounce

An A-Z Guide to All the Celebrity Names You Don't Know How to Pronounce

By Olivia Bahou
Updated Jan 24, 2018 @ 1:30 pm
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: theellenshow/Instagram

It's a situation that happens far too often: You're having a conversation about a celebrity with your friends, but you're not entirely sure how to pronounce the name.

Let's take Joe Manganiello, for instance. You can either pretend that you can't remember his name and start rattling off identifiers. "He's Sofía Vergara's husband! He was in Magic Mike!" Or, you can take a stab at pronouncing it and risk getting admonished by a major True Blood fan. "It's Manganiello, with a hard 'G.'" You hang your head in shame. 

VIDEO: 9 Times Celebrities Fooled Us All With Their Fake Bangs

Even celebrities have a hard time getting it right. Tiffany Haddish made headlines during the Oscar nominations announcement, when she struggled with saying nominees like "David Kaluuya" and "Timothée Chalamet."

That's why we created this handy guide to pronouncing all of those difficult celebrity names. Keep scrolling to learn which letters are silent, which "J"s are actually "Y"s, and how the heck to say "Quvenzhané." You'll never stumble over "Nikolaj Coster-Waldau" again.

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Amanda Seyfried

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

You may think this one is a slam dunk, but it's actually "SIGH-fred," not "Say-fried." Listen to her pronounce it in this clip.

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Anders Holm

Credit: Araya Diaz/WireImage

Holm's name looks simple, but it's actually pronounced "ON-ders."

2 of 30

3 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Anna Faris

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

There are multiple ways to pronounce "Anna." In Faris's case, it's AH-na, not AN-na.

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Charlize Theron

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Theron is no stranger to having you mess up her name. It's "Ther-in," not "Ther-own."

4 of 30

5 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chloë Sevigny

Credit: George Pimentel/Getty

Another name that's not what it seems. Instead of "Seven-yay," say "Seven-e."

5 of 30

6 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

David Kaluuya

Credit: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

David's last name is pronounced "kah-LOO-ya." Someone should tell Tiffany Haddish.

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

David Oyelowo

Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage

According to the Selma star, the best way to remember the pronunciation of his last name is to say "o-yellow-o."

7 of 30

8 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Demi Moore

Credit: Amanda Edwards/WireImage

Contrary to popular belief, it's "Duh-me," not "Deh-mi."

8 of 30

9 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Eva Mendes

Credit: Angela Weiss/Getty

Nope, it's not "Ee-va" but "Ava." Game changer.

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gabourey Sidibe

Credit: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan

According to the Precious star, Gabourey rhimes with Cabaret.

10 of 30

11 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ian Somerhalder

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty

If you listen to Somerhalder introduce himself, the first two syllables in his last name sound like "summer," not "somer."

11 of 30

12 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Idina Menzel

Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty

While it'd be hard to flub Idina's name as badly as John Travolta did, get it right by saying "Uh-Dina" instead "EE-Dina."

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Idris Elba

Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage

This hunk may be smooth but pronouncing his name definitely isn't. Think "Eh-dris" instead of "Ee-dris" and you'll be on the right track.

13 of 30

14 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joaquin Phoenix

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

This one definitely has a silent "J." It's "Wah-keen," not whatever you just mumbled to yourself.

14 of 30

15 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joe Manganiello

Credit: Amanda Edwards/WireImage

There's no "J" sound in the pronunciation of this name. Listen to Joe say it himself: Say "mang" as in "mango," and then add "anello." 

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lupita Nyong'o

Credit: Amanda Edwards/WireImage

The actress recorded a helpful video to teach us how to say her name with Kenyan, American, and Mexican accents.

16 of 30

17 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mariska Hargitay

Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty

To remember how to pronounce this name, think of it as missing an "H." To say it correctly, try "Mar-ish-ka" instead of "Mariska."

17 of 30

18 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mia Wasikowska

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

This one's a toughy. Wasikowska is pronounced "VAH-shee-KOF-ska."

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Milla Jovovich

Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty

Yet another "J" that you won't hear in her name. It's pronounced "YOH-ve-vich."

19 of 30

20 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

For when you can't just call him Jaime Lannister, don't pronounce the "j." It's "Nee-ko-ly."

20 of 30

21 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quvenzhané Wallis

Credit: C Flanigan/FilmMagic

Don't take it from me: Repeat after the young Oscar nominee.

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rachel Weisz

Credit: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

This time, a deceiving "W." Rachel's last name is pronounced "Vice."

22 of 30

23 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ralph Fiennes

Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty

Call him He Who Must Not Be Named—because everyone is saying it wrong. It's not "Ralph" but "Rafe." Rafe Fines, to be exact.

23 of 30

24 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ryan Phillippe

Credit: Jerod Harris/WireImage

Ditch the fancy French accent. Ryan's last name is actually pronounced like the named Philip, with a Canadian "eh" at the end.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Saoirse Ronan

Credit: Ben Gabbe/Getty

Thanks to this handy sign from Ellen DeGeneres, we learned that "Saorise" is pronounced like "Sur-sha."

25 of 30

26 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Steve Buscemi

Credit: Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic

No, it's not "Boo-skemi" or "Boo-schemi": It's "Boo-semi." Game changer.

26 of 30

27 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Taylor Lautner

Credit: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

In a behind-the-scenes video from 2011, the Twilight star introduces himself as Taylor LAUT-ner, not LOTT-ner. Mind blown.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Timothée Chalamet

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

While his name is written the French way, the Oscar nominee pronounces it "Timothy." As for his last name, it's "SHALL-uh-MAY." Listen to him say it here.

28 of 30

29 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Zendaya

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

This name is easier to pronounce than we make it. Say it "Zen-DAY-uh," not "Zen-DIE-uh," just like she instructs.

29 of 30

30 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Zosia Mamet

Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Instead of "ZOH-sha," this name "rhymes with Sasha."

30 of 30