Do You Know How To Pronounce These L.A. Street Names?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 2, 2024

Navigating the busy streets of Los Angeles is already an adventure, but pronouncing the street names can be the ultimate challenge. Whether you're a longtime resident or just breezing through, you've probably stumbled over a few of these tongue-twisters. It's not just about catching the right turn on Sepulveda or making it in time for a meeting on Cahuenga, it's also about not looking like a total tourist when you ask for directions.

We've all been there, confidently marching up to a local, asking for "La See-en-eh-ga" Boulevard, only to be met with an eye roll and the correct pronunciation, "La Sen-eh-ga." Let's be real, L.A. street names aren't always intuitive, and traffic is tough enough without the added pressure of getting the names right. So, let's buckle up and have some fun as we steer through the most infamous street-name stumpers this side of the 405.

Attempting to master L.A. street names is an Angeleno rite of passage. Why do they roll off the tongue for some and create puzzled looks in others? Who knows, but what matters is that we're all in this together. So before you hop back into the traffic fray or try to impress your friends at trivia night, brush up with us on the correct pronunciations—because let's face it, it's embarrassing when your smart car's navigation sounds more local than you do.

Pronunciation Guide to L.A. Street Names

Let's be real, we've all had that moment where we're cruising through L.A. and the GPS pronounces a street name, and we're like, "Say what now?" It's time to level up our local lingo and say goodbye to those awkward "I'm not from here" moments. Gear up for a linguistic joyride through the City of Angels' most twisty-turvy street names.

Historical Lanes and Legends

The storied streets of Los Angeles aren't just a grid—they're a gossip column of the past. Olvera Street, for instance, is the oldest of the old, a nod to the city's vibrant Mexican heritage. Then, there's Alvarado Street, named for Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado because who wouldn't want a street named after them, right?

The Art of Saying Rodeo

Now, we don't mean the cowboy kind—that's easy! But try saying Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills without sounding like a tourist. Hint: It's "Ro-DAY-oh," not "Ro-DEE-oh." Roll that 'r' and strut like you've got bling in Beverly Hills.

The Spanish Influence

Get that Spanish spark in our tongues because many of our street names come steeped in history and mucho español. For instance, "Sepulveda" rolls off the tongue, but it's "Se-PUL-ve-da". And let's not forget about Calle Primavera, elementarily "Calle" as in "Kai-yay" if it were a cowboy film, "Primavera" like the first whisper of spring.

Neighborhood Name Drops

From the bohemian vibes of Los Feliz ("Los FEE-liz") and the artsy outskirts of Silver Lake to the rich histories of Baldwin Hills and Boyle Heights—we love our neighborhoods, even if we sometimes muddle up their monikers.

Main Streets and Mean Streets

LA's Main Street is easy-peasy, but the adventure begins when we hit, say, Figueroa Street or Sunset Boulevard. Remember, it's "Fig-GER-oh-a," unless you're in the mood for figs. Meanwhile, Sunset Boulevard is just as glamorous as it sounds.

Nature and Nomenclature

We are so much more than concrete jungles and star-studded sidewalks. We've got streets like Palm Drive that pay homage to those iconic palm trees, and Flower Street, a floral festivity in the midst of metal & mortar.

Educational Highways

Cruising past the troves of knowledge at UCLA or USC, you're bound to cross the scholarly paths of College Street or University Avenue. Education is a journey, so why not take it literally on Mission Road, harking back to the days of old and, well, missions.

Remember, we're not trying to fool anyone into thinking we've been here since the days of Trinidad de la Guerra, but we sure can sound like we know our way around the block. Let's ace this street name game together, one hilarious mispronunciation at a time!

Los Angeles Lore: Streets with a Story

Ah, Los Angeles - a city of angels and asphalt where every street has its tale to tell. Buckle up for a whirlwind tour where the tarmac is as tantalizing as the tales they're paved with!

A Boulevard of Dreams and Drama

In the heart of Tinseltown lies Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame where stars are literally underfoot. Picture this: you're sauntering down this iconic boulevard, stars blazon the sidewalk, each one a story, each one a dream - some broken, some brilliantly fulfilled. But remember, Pico Boulevard tells its own tale, named after Pío de Jesús Pico, the last Governor of California under Mexican rule. That's right, governor's got groove!

Cultural Crossroads

Let's swirl through the cultural melting pot where streets like Chinatown's Spring Street and Little Tokyo's E. First Street intersect. Did you know that LA Cienega Boulevard was once a path to a swamp? Now it dangles the delights of dining and shopping, connecting the bustle of Beverly Hills to the calm of Culver City, infusing our city with its rich diversity.

The Political Pavements

Even the concrete under our sneaks has seen some high-stakes hustling. Take Olvera Street, for instance, a nod to Agustin Olvera, LA County's first judge. Talk about laying down the law! And Ellen S. Onizuka Street—oh, it's not just another name—it's in memory of a space shuttle hero. Putting the 'civil' in 'civic', these thoroughfares are more than routes; they're nods to our past politicos and heroes.

From Swamps to Sophistication

You wouldn't believe us if we said parts of Los Angeles was once all marshes and swamps, but it's true! LA Cienega meant "the swamp," hinting at soggier days. Now, La Cienega Boulevard is anything but damp, boasting some of the city's most posh spots. Elegant, elite, and occasionally elbow-deep in celebrity sightings.

The Celestial Streets

Glance upwards on Griffith Park's constellation-named lanes and it's not just the palm trees reaching for the stars. These Celestial Streets are a nod to the heavens, perhaps in hopes that celestial luck might sprinkle down on us mere mortals milling about below.

The Cornerstones of Commerce

Main Street, San Pedro, Norwalk - these are the veins pumping the lifeblood of LA's commerce. Each street has a chapter in our city's commercial chronicles. Talk about sell, sell, sell—it's where goods exchange hands faster than you can say "Is there a sale at Macy's?"

As we zip through the neighborhoods of Los Angeles from the valleys to the vistas, every street sign's a chance to tip our hats to the history that has shaped our city. We might not have Governor Pico's powers, or Henry Huntington's vast rail networks, but gosh-darn-it, we've got their streets, and each one's a tale worth telling. So, are you ready to match your LA street smarts against our quiz? Let's hit those boulevards - we can almost hear the asphalt hum that trivia tune.