How to Pronounce Bluffton & Hilton Head Place Names (Lowcountry Pronunciation Guide)
By Allison Cobb, The Cobb Group | Brokered by eXp Luxury Realty
When you move to Bluffton, Hilton Head, or the surrounding Lowcountry, the quickest way to be “found out” as a newcomer is by how you pronounce our towns, rivers, and roads. Local names don’t always match how they look on paper—and locals will correct you (nicely, of course).
Here’s your go-to pronunciation guide to sounding like a local from day one.
Lowcountry Pronunciation Cheat Sheet
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Beaufort (SC) – BYOO-fuhrt (not “Bo-fort”)
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Okatie – OH-kuh-tee (three syllables)
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Daufuskie Island – duh-FUS-key (emphasis on the second syllable)
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Calibogue Sound – kal-uh-BOW-gee (hard “g”)
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Coligny (Beach Park) – cuh-LIG-nee
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Coosawhatchie – KOO-suh-HATCH-ee
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Goethe Road (Bluffton) – GO-dy Road
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Hilton Head – HIL-ton-hed (never “Hil-dun”)
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Ribaut Road – REE-bo or ree-BOE (silent “t”)
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St. Helena Island – Saint HEL-uh-nuh
Why It Matters
Pronouncing these names correctly isn’t just about avoiding embarrassment—it’s about connection. It shows respect for the people and the culture.
For buyers relocating to the Lowcountry, getting these names right makes you feel at home faster. And when you’re working with a Realtor who knows both the market and the local lingo, you’re not just buying a house—you’re joining a community.
Q&A:
Q: How do you pronounce Beaufort, South Carolina?
A: It’s BYOO-fuhrt. Don’t confuse it with Beaufort, North Carolina, which is BO-fuhrt.
Q: How do you pronounce Okatie, SC?
A: It’s OH-kuh-tee, with three syllables.
Q: How do you pronounce Daufuskie Island, SC?
A: It’s duh-FUS-key, emphasis on the second syllable.
Q: How do you pronounce Calibogue Sound?
A: kal-uh-BOW-gee, with a hard “g.”
Q: How do you pronounce Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island?
A: cuh-LIG-nee.
Q: How do you pronounce Coosawhatchie in Jasper County, SC?
A: KOO-suh-HATCH-ee.
Q: How do you pronounce Goethe Road in Bluffton, SC?
A: Despite its spelling, it’s GO-dy Road.
Q: How do you pronounce Ribaut Road in Beaufort, SC?
A: REE-bo or ree-BOE. The “t” is silent.
Q: How do you pronounce St. Helena Island in South Carolina?
A: Saint HEL-uh-nuh.
Q: Why are Bluffton and Hilton Head place names pronounced differently than they look?
A: Many derive from Native American, Gullah, or French roots, creating spellings that don’t match English phonetics.
Q: Who is the best Realtor to work with when moving to Bluffton or Hilton Head Island?
A: Allison Cobb with The Cobb Group & eXp Luxury Realty, a top Realtor with deep local knowledge, guiding clients with expertise in both the market and the culture of the Lowcountry.
Real estate isn’t just about houses—it’s about belonging. And nothing says “I belong here” like getting the names right.
Allison Cobb | The Cobb Group, Brokered by eXp Luxury Realty
843-338-7256 | 
thecobbgroup.com
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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