Many New Mexico place names are notoriously tricky for outsiders—and even some locals—to pronounce correctly the first time. These names often derive from Spanish, Native American, or unique regional influences, making them a real challenge. Here are ten New Mexico places that regularly stump people, along with their correct pronunciations:
| Place Name | Correct Pronunciation | Common Mispronunciations |
|---|---|---|
| Abiquiu | AB-ick-you | Ah-bee-kwee-you, Ab-ick-we |
| Arroyo Seco | Ahr-oi’-ya-say’-ko | Arroyo See-ko, Arroyo Sack-o |
| Caballo | Ka-vhah’-yoh | Ca-ball-o, Cab-ay-yo |
| Chimayo | Shee-my-yoh’ | Chim-mayo, Chi-may-o |
| Lamy | Lay’-mee | Lam-ee |
| Mogollon | Moh-GOY-yon’ | Mog-o-lon, Mo-gol-on, Muggy-yones |
| Taos | Ta-os | Tay-os, Tacos, Tah-os |
| Tucumcari | TOO-come-care-ee | Too-come-carry, Took-um-carry |
| Tesuque | Teh-sue-keh | Teh-sook, Teh-sue-kee |
| Ruidoso | Ru-ee-dos-oh | Ree-ah-dos-oh, Riadosa |
Why Are These Names So Hard?
- Spanish and Indigenous Roots: Many names come from Spanish or Native American languages, which have sounds and stress patterns unfamiliar to English speakers.
- Regional Variations: Even within New Mexico, some pronunciations have shifted over time, and locals may accept or use different versions.
- Common Mistakes: People often Anglicize the names, misplace the stress, or swap out unfamiliar sounds for easier ones.
Bonus Challenging Names
- Jemez (“Hay-mess”)
- Tesuque (“Teh-sue-keh”)
- Bernalillo (“Bur-nuh-LEE-yo”)
- Madrid (“MAD-rid,” not like Spain’s “Mah-DRID”)
- Cochiti (“Koh-chee-tee,” not “Co-CHEE-tee”)
“As you look at a map of New Mexico, many town names may cause you to scratch your head. These town names are difficult to spell, but they are even harder to pronounce.”
Chances are, unless you’re a New Mexico native or a seasoned traveler in the state, you’ll stumble on at least a few of these. But don’t worry—mispronouncing New Mexico place names is practically a rite of passage for visitors!
Sources:
- https://klaq.com/most-mispronounced-cities-nm/
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/new-mexico/hard-words-nm
- https://dailypassport.com/commonly-mispronounced-names-tourist-sites/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbOB352uggQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snTdoftediA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZoQq6uwSrU