Utah is known for its beautiful landscapes and national parks, but it’s also full of place names that are tough to pronounce. Many of these names come from Native American words, pioneer history, or religious roots. If you’ve ever looked at a Utah map and wondered how to say names like “Tooele” or “Oquirrh,” you’re not alone. Here are 11 Utah places that are surprisingly hard to pronounce. Let’s see how many you get right on the first try!
Hurricane
You might say it like the storm, “HUR-ricane,” but locals pronounce it as “HER-uh-kin.” This small city in southern Utah is famous for its red cliffs and unique name.
Tooele
This one tricks almost everyone. It looks like “Tool” or “Too-ELLE,” but it’s really said as “Too-WILL-uh.” Once you hear it correctly, it’ll stick in your memory.
Moab
It seems simple, but many still get it wrong. The right way to say it is “MO-ab,” with stress on the first part. It’s the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Lehi
This fast-growing city in Utah County is said “LEE-hai,” not “Leh-hi.” It’s named after a prophet from the Book of Mormon.
Uintah
The correct way to say it is “You-IN-tuh.” It’s used in the name of a county, a school district, and the Uintah Mountains.
Nephi
Don’t say “NEE-fi” or “NEFF-ee.” Locals pronounce it as “NEE-fai” (rhyming with sci-fi). It also comes from Mormon scripture.
Kanab
Visitors often say “KAY-nab” or “KAH-nab,” but the proper way is “Kuh-NAB,” with the stress on the second part. This charming town is near the Arizona border.
Salina
It’s not “Suh-LEE-nuh” like in Kansas. In Utah, people say “Suh-LINE-uh.” One small change makes a big difference.
Oquirrh
This is probably the most confusing name on the list. It’s pronounced “O-KUR,” like the word “occur.” The Oquirrh Mountains are just west of Salt Lake City.
Heber
Many say “HEB-er,” but it’s really “HEE-ber.” This mountain town is known for its beauty and outdoor activities.
Sevier
Often misread as “Sev-yer” or “Sev-ee-air,” but the correct way is “Sev-EER.” Both a county and a river in Utah share this name.
Utah’s place names aren’t just hard to pronounce—they also have rich stories behind them. Whether the names come from Native American languages or early settlers, they give the state its unique character. Learning how to say them properly helps you connect with the local culture and show respect to the history of the area. So next time you’re exploring Utah, try pronouncing “Tooele” or “Oquirrh” like a local—you might just impress someone!
SOURCES
[1] https://catcountryutah.com/youre-definitely-from-utah-if-you-can-pronounce-these-towns-correctly/
[2] https://www.ksl.com/article/51352882/say-what-9-utah-places-with-quirky-names
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9BFLTtoSEg
[4] https://www.deseret.com/sports/2024/10/22/utah-cities-pronunciation-tooele-oquirrh-hockey-players/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IYHTljmxCLU
