As Mennonites, most of us can relate to the English saying our surnames in a wide variety of abominations. Heck, even some Mennonites say their own last names incorrectly. In order to address this problem, The Daily Bonnet has created this handy guide to the most commonly mispronounced Russian Mennonite surnames. (Okay, well, this is how we say them on the East Reserve anyway.)

Baerg – Berg. Think mountain.

Braun – Believe it or not, this is usually said Brown, just like the colour. Some Mennos have even taken to spelling it that way. For shame.

Broesky – Bray-skee.

Bueckert – There is some debate about this one. Around here we all say it ‘B-yoo-kert.’ Some folks say it ‘Bickert’. It’s definitely not ‘Buckert’ or ‘Buickert’.

Buhler – Think Ferris Bueller. It’s said the same way.

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