Saints' Travis Etienne Corrects Pronunciation of His Last Name

The running back is happy to get back to his Louisiana Creole roots, starting with how to say his name.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:35pm

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Travis Etienne, the new running back for the New Orleans Saints, is setting the record straight on how to pronounce his last name. Etienne, who is from Louisiana, says his name is pronounced "Ay-chan" and not the way it has been commonly said. He explains that the mispronunciation started when he went to college at Clemson, where people couldn't get it right despite his constant corrections. Now in New Orleans, Etienne is embracing his Creole roots and is glad he doesn't have to correct people on the pronunciation of his name every day.

Why it matters

Etienne's desire to correct the pronunciation of his name reflects his pride in his Louisiana Creole heritage. As a high-profile athlete, how he presents his identity can have a broader impact on raising awareness and acceptance of diverse cultural names and pronunciations.

The details

Etienne, who signed a four-year, $52 million free agency deal with the Saints, told reporters at his introductory press conference that his last name is pronounced "Ay-chan," not the more common "Ee-Tee-En." He explained that the mispronunciation started when he went to college at Clemson, where people couldn't get it right despite his constant corrections. Etienne is now embracing his Creole roots and is glad he doesn't have to correct people on the pronunciation of his name every day in New Orleans.

  • Etienne signed a four-year, $52 million free agency deal with the Saints in 2026.

The players

Travis Etienne

A 27-year-old running back who is now playing for the New Orleans Saints after spending four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

“'Travis Ay-chan,' he told reporters at his introductory press conference. 'So it'd be like A-c-h-a-n-e, and that's how you always say Travis Etienne.'”

— Travis Etienne (nypost.com)

“'When I started learning more about my last name and how it came about and things like that, it kinda stuck, it made sense. I'm very much open to being Travis 'Ay-Chan' again, just being myself, I don't have to correct people here on how to say my name each and every day. And I kinda love that. Just get back to me.'”

— Travis Etienne (nypost.com)

What’s next

Etienne will look to make a strong impression with the Saints in his first season in New Orleans, as he aims to continue his success from his time with the Jaguars.

The takeaway

Etienne's desire to correct the pronunciation of his name reflects his pride in his Louisiana Creole heritage. As a high-profile athlete, how he presents his identity can have a broader impact on raising awareness and acceptance of diverse cultural names and pronunciations.