Mariska Hargitay’s Name Still Mispronounced by Family, Colleagues, and Fans
Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Captain Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” recently addressed the common mispronunciation of her name. During a guest appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast, “Good Hang,” she explained that many fans, friends, and even family members struggle to pronounce her first name correctly.
Correct Pronunciation of Mariska Hargitay’s Name
Hargitay revealed the proper pronunciation is “Muh-rish-kuh.” She noted that the name Mariska is a Hungarian nickname that translates to “Little Maria,” a reference to her grandmothers. The suffix “-ka” or “-ke” serves as an affectionate diminutive in Hungarian culture.
Mispronunciations Persist
Despite her fame and decades of experience in the entertainment industry, mispronunciations of Hargitay’s name continue. She shared a humorous anecdote about a recent family brunch where her cousin mispronounced her name. “I’ve known him since 1994, and he kept calling me ‘Muh-ris-kuh,’” she said, opting to let it slide rather than correct him.
To address the issue on the set of NBC’s long-running series, Hargitay humorously had her name altered to “Marishhhhka” for clarity. She mentioned the variety of incorrect pronunciations she encounters, including “Muh-ritz-uh,” “Mar-see-kuh,” and “Mar-kis-kuh.”
Celebrity Name Mispronunciations
Hargitay is not alone in dealing with name mispronunciations. Other celebrities, including Denzel Washington and Steve Buscemi, have also highlighted the challenges surrounding their names. Washington emphasized that his name is pronounced “Denzull,” while Buscemi humorously admits uncertainty about his own name’s correct pronunciation, typically opting for “Boo-Semi.”
As these public figures draw attention to the importance of name pronunciation, fans are encouraged to learn and respect the correct pronunciations. Understanding the origins and meanings behind names fosters greater connection and respect between celebrities and their audiences.
