Turns Out We've Been Mispronouncing Taylor Lautner's Name For Years

Taylor Lautner accidentally kept a vital part of his identity under wraps for over a decade — no, it's not that he's a werewolf. On July 5, Lautner revealed that fans have been mispronouncing his name for over 20 years. "It is technically 'Lowt-ner,'" he said on an episode of "The Unplanned Podcast With Matt & Abby." "It is my fault nobody knows how it's actually pronounced because I never corrected anybody for decades. I just never — in interviews or anything — stopped somebody and said, 'It's not 'Laut-ner.' It's 'Lowt-ner.'"

Whether you've been on Team Jacob since 2008 or you're a fan of Lautner's more recent work — like his mental health podcast with his wife, Tay Lautner — it's probably a little awkward to hear that "Laut-ner" is, in fact, "Lowt-ner." To think of all the times teenage "Twilight" fans aspirationally scribbled "Mrs. Lautner" in the backs of their notebooks with little heart doodles only to be mentally mispronouncing their future husband's name is surprising to say the least. (Growing up, I was Team Edward, but I digress.)

In the comments section of the TikTok, fans were in disbelief. "[Not] me sitting here like 'no he's wrong,'" one fan wrote. Another added, "i beg your pardon." Other viewers, though, namely those who speak German and are familiar with the name's origin, have been saying it correctly the entire time. "As a German speaking person I've always pronounced it like this but not because I knew it," one person wrote. A separate commenter added, "I HAVE ALWAYS SAID IT LIKE THAT AND PEOPLE WOULD CORRECT ME." Finally, we have confirmation that it's "Lowt-ner."

Now, I get it. The amount of times people have mispronounced my name — "Channel," "Chantel" — or didn't even attempt to get it right — "Michelle"?! — is exhausting to think about. When I was younger, I might have let the mistake slide, but pronouncing someone's name correctly is important. And, after 20 years, it seems like Lautner is ready to set the record straight.

On top of this new information, Lautner's wife has been the subject of detailed fan conversations for her decision to take her husband's last name, effectively — and legally — creating two Taylor Lautners. For the couple, who usually go by Taylor and Tay, having the exact same name doesn't seem to be an issue. For fans, though, it only adds to the confusion. Fortunately, Lautner doesn't seem to take offense to the incorrect pronunciation of his name. "Just go with whatever," he said during the podcast episode. "I don't care. 'Laut-ner,' 'Lowt-ner' — it's all the same thing."

If you still can't believe that you've been mispronouncing Lautner's name your entire life, watch him confirm the unexpected truth above.