Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa and the most populous city in the state. Despite its prominence, the pronunciation of its name has been a subject of debate for decades. The traditional and most common pronunciation is “dih-MOYN,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. However, there are a number of other acceptable pronunciations, including “dih-moin” and “dih-moh-nuh.” No matter how you choose to pronounce it, Des Moines is a vibrant and welcoming city with a rich history and culture.
The origin of the name Des Moines is somewhat disputed. One theory is that it is a French translation of the Native American word “Moingona,” which means “river of the Moingona people.” Another theory is that it is named after the Des Moines River, which flows through the city. Regardless of its origins, the name Des Moines has been pronounced in a variety of ways over the years. In the early 19th century, the most common pronunciation was “dih-MOHN,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. However, as the city grew and became more prominent, the pronunciation shifted to “dih-MOYN,” which is the pronunciation that is most commonly used today.
While “dih-MOYN” is the most common pronunciation of Des Moines, there are a number of other acceptable pronunciations. Some people, particularly those who live in the surrounding area, pronounce it as “dih-moin.” Others, particularly those who are not from the area, pronounce it as “dih-moh-nuh.” No matter how you choose to pronounce it, Des Moines is a welcoming and vibrant city with a rich history and culture.
How to Pronounce Des Moines
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a city with a distinctive name that is often mispronounced. The correct pronunciation of Des Moines is “dəˈmoɪn” or “dəˈmoɪnz.” The stress is on the first syllable, and the second syllable rhymes with “join” or “coins.”
The name Des Moines comes from the French phrase “rivière des moines,” which means “river of the monks.” The name was given to the city in 1843 by Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, a Jesuit missionary who established a mission in the area.
Over time, the pronunciation of Des Moines has evolved. In the early days, the city was often pronounced “dəˈmɔɪn,” with the stress on the second syllable. However, by the early 20th century, the current pronunciation had become standard.
People Also Ask About How to Pronounce Des Moines
Is Des Moines pronounced like “des moines” with a silent s?
No, the s in Des Moines is not silent. The name is pronounced “dəˈmoɪn” or “dəˈmoɪnz.”
How do you pronounce Des Moines in French?
In French, Des Moines is pronounced “də mwaːn.”
What is the meaning of Des Moines?
Des Moines means “river of the monks” in French.
