Learn someone’s name by listening to how they say it; share your own pronunciation with a phonetic spelling and a voice recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names and pronunciation
1. How do I pronounce someone’s name correctly?
The most reliable way to pronounce someone’s name correctly is to ask them and listen to how they say it. Try, “Could you say your name for me? I’d like to get it right.” Repeat it back and let them correct you. Spelling alone may not tell you the pronunciation, and people with the same written name may pronounce it differently. If they share a recording, use it to practice.
2. What is a phonetic spelling of a name?
A phonetic spelling of a name is a written guide that helps someone say it aloud. An informal guide uses familiar sounds, such as “LEE-nuh” for someone who pronounces Lina that way. Capital letters can show the stressed syllable. These guides depend on the reader’s language and accent; they are not the same as the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which uses standardized symbols to represent speech sounds.
3. How do I write my name phonetically?
To write your name phonetically, say it aloud, divide it into syllables, and write each syllable using sounds your intended reader will recognize. Separate the syllables with hyphens and capitalize the stressed syllable, as in “LEE-nuh.” Ask someone to read your guide aloud, then adjust anything that leads them to the wrong pronunciation. Pairing the written guide with a recording of your own voice can help clarify sounds that are difficult to represent in writing.
4. How do I politely correct someone who mispronounces my name?
You can correct someone who mispronounces your name with a brief, direct explanation: “It’s pronounced LEE-nuh, with the emphasis on LEE.” Say your name at a natural pace, then repeat it if needed. You do not need to apologize for the correction. If it keeps happening, try, “I wanted to remind you how I pronounce my name.” You can also offer a phonetic spelling or short recording they can revisit.
5. How can I help people pronounce my name correctly?
Help people pronounce your name correctly by sharing both a written pronunciation guide and a recording of yourself saying it. You can include the guide in an email signature, profile or conference badge, and link to the audio where useful. At an introduction, say your name clearly and invite people to repeat it. Pronounce Our Names offers personalized items that pair your name with a phonetic spelling and a QR code that plays your own recording.
Try it with your own name
Type your name and how it sounds, then record yourself saying it. You will see the same name and pronunciation lockup we use on our products. Recording and replaying stays on your device until you choose to save. This free demo keeps two saved names per browser. See what others have shared on the names wall.
Capital letters mark the stressed syllable, like LEE-nuh.
Your lockup appears here as you type.
Only share your own name and voice. Saving publishes them on this website; this is not a private upload. Additional network limits help prevent abuse. For removal, email contact@pronounceournames.com.
Orders and customer support
6. What products do you offer?
We offer a variety of products, including clothing, canvas totes, tumblers, stickers, luggage tags, and more are added each quarter. You may also request custom products for your needs.
7. Do you offer custom or personalized items? What about custom orders?
All of our products are personalized with a name, its spelling, and/or its pronunciation. We also offer custom bulk orders for multiple different names. No quantity limit.
8. How can I track my order?
Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with tracking details. If you haven't received tracking information, please check your spam folder or contact us at contact@pronounceournames.com.
9. What is your return and exchange policy?
Since our products are custom and made to order, we are not able to honor refunds or exchanges in most cases. However, not to fear! Customers get a proof before anything's made.
10. Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the US and Europe, and hope to add more destinations as we grow.
11. What should I do if my item arrives damaged?
If your item arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order with photos of the issue, and we'll be happy to assist you with a replacement or refund.
12. How can I contact customer support?
You can reach us at contact@pronounceournames.com and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
13. Do you do local events and farmers' markets?
Yes! Follow @pronounceournames on Instagram to see where we'll be next.