Alabama is famous for place names that trip up almost everyone on their first attempt. Here are eleven locations across the state, each with a pronunciation twist that challenges even long-time Alabamians.
1. Arab
Pronounced “AY-rab,” not “A-rab.” This town in Marshall County is often mistaken for the country pronunciation.
2. Cairo
Said “KAY-row,” just like the corn syrup, not “KY-ro” like the Egyptian city.
3. Conecuh
It’s “Cuh-NECK-uh,” not “Cone-eh-cuh.” The county name is a test of southern dialect.
4. Dauphin Island
Locals say “DAW-fin,” not “DOL-fin.” Don’t let the spelling fool you.
5. Flomaton
This Escambia County town is “FLOW-muh-tahn,” not “Flo-mah-ton”.
6. Guin
Pronounced “GYOO-in,” not “Gwin” or “Gu-een.” It’s subtle but easy to miss.
7. Loachapoka
Say “LOACH-uh-POKE-uh.” The first part rhymes with “roach”.
8. Opelika
The proper way is “OH-puh-LIE-kuh.” Some say “OH-pee-LACK-uh,” but locals won’t let you get away with it.
9. Tallassee
It’s “TAE-luh-see,” not “Tallahassee”—no “h” sneaks in here.
10. Wedowee
Say “Wee-DOW-ee,” never “Wee-dow.” Lake Wedowee adds a fun twist.
11. Oneonta
Some say “OH-nee-ON-tuh,” others use “Ahn-ee-ON-tuh”—either way, it’s a tough one to nail on the first try.
If you can say these eleven Alabama place names correctly without hesitation, you’ve got true southern street cred—most newcomers and even locals stumble or debate them.
Sources
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xbwyKHDJUE)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Alabama/comments/xxhokg/alabama_cities_pronunciation_spelling/)
(https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/saying-8-alabama-town-names-144416838.html)
(https://wtug.com/15-of-alabamas-hardest-to-pronounce-town-names/)
(https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2025/09/11/6-alabama-cities-people-keep-mispronouncing-with-real-pronunciations/86094682007/)
