Louisville, Kentucky, may be famous for the Kentucky Derby, Muhammad Ali, and bourbon, but one of its most discussed topics is how to say its name. There are three widely recognized pronunciations: LOO-ə-vəl, LOO-ee-vil, and LUUV-əl. Of these, LOO-ə-vəl is the dominant local pronunciation and is often cited as the “only” correct way by residents.

The pronunciation LOO-ee-vil honors King Louis XVI, for whom the city was named, and while historically common, it is less frequently used by locals today. Acceptable hybrids, such as LOO-ə-vil, also exist. Only the rare LOO-iss-vil is considered entirely incorrect, though it remains correct for a few smaller cities sharing the name.

Local historian George H. Yater noted in 2001 that older residents often preferred LOO-ee-vil, and both first and second pronunciations were heard equally in media broadcasts. However, new broadcasters are generally taught to use LOO-ə-vəl, reinforcing it as the modern standard for Louisville’s iconic name.