Demi Moore Corrects Name Pronunciation in Viral New York Clip

Demi Moore set the record straight on her name's pronunciation in a viral Instagram clip from a fan encounter on a New York City sidewalk.

The 63-year-old actress signed autographs and posed for photos with fans. When some called out "Deh-mee," Moore smiled and said, "Remember, it's 'Duh-mee.'"

Moore has addressed the frequent mixup throughout her Hollywood career. In a 1988 interview with NBC affiliate KCRA host Harry Martin, she corrected his "Deh-mee" and explained her parents picked the name from a magazine. "And we're quite fond of it," she added.

She noted people get it wrong all the time but it does not bother her. "I have a tough time with it but it's OK," Moore said. When Martin asked if she got mad at his pronunciation, she replied, "No, no."

Moore raised the topic again in 2017 on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." Fallon mentioned knowing many "Deh-mees." Moore recalled chatting with Demi Lovato, who pronounces hers differently despite similar family backgrounds from Texas and New Mexico.

"It works better with our last names," she said. "Like, ‘Deh-mee Lovato’ sounds really good. And ‘Duh-mee’ Moore sounds really good."

The clip from Fallon resurfaced after Moore's best actress win at the 2025 Golden Globes for "The Substance." Social media users reacted to the Moore-Lovato difference. One X user wrote, "Who else unknowingly pronounced both names exactly the same?" Another said, "Demi Moore and Demi Lovato do not pronounce their names the same way btw you culturally bankrupt children need to know that."

A fan added, "Ever since I heard Demi Moore pronounce her name I’ve chosen to stan because how could you not?"

The pronunciation debate appeared in pop culture too. In a 1997 "Seinfeld" episode, Elaine Benes used "Duh-mee Moore," prompting George Costanza to say, "Duh-mee? I thought it was Deh-mee." Jerry Seinfeld replied, "No, I think it's Deh-mee." George quipped, "I've never heard of a suh-mee tractor-trailer."