Stop Saying It Wrong: The 5-Step Guide To Correctly Pronouncing 'Hozier' And His 2025 Triumphs

For years, fans and music commentators alike have stumbled over the name of the acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Hozier. While his powerful, soulful voice and poetic lyrics, especially in global hits like "Take Me to Church," are universally recognized, the four syllables of his professional name often spark confusion. As of this December 2025, with the artist celebrating his inclusion in TIME's 100 Most Influential People and embarking on the massive *Unreal Unearth* Tour, there’s never been a better time to finally learn the definitive, correct way to say it.

The good news is that the pronunciation is far simpler than many assume, and it even rhymes with a very common English word. Getting it right is a sign of true appreciation for the artist whose full name is Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, and whose work blends the rich traditions of folk, blues, and gospel music into a unique, modern sound.

Andrew John Hozier-Byrne: Fast Facts and 2025 Milestones

Before diving into the phonetic breakdown, let's establish the full profile of the man behind the music to build a strong foundation of topical authority. Knowing the artist's background—from his Irish roots to his recent global accolades—adds context to his unique stage name.

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• Full Name: Andrew John Hozier-Byrne
• Professional Name: Hozier
• Born: March 17, 1990 (St. Patrick's Day)
• Hometown: Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland
• Musical Style: Folk, Soul, Blues, Gospel, Alternative Rock, Traditional Irish Folk
• Notable Albums: Hozier (2014), Wasteland, Baby! (2019), Unreal Unearth (2023)
• Major Hit: "Take Me to Church" (2013), which earned him a Grammy Nomination.
• 2025 Achievements: Included in TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2025; headlining the continuation of his highly successful *Unreal Unearth* Tour.
• Philanthropy: Known for his social activism, donating proceeds from his single "Cherry Wine" to domestic abuse charities and supporting causes like Safe Ireland, Dublin Simon Community, and Focus Ireland.

The Definitive 5-Step Guide to Hozier Pronunciation

The confusion surrounding Hozier's name often stems from various linguistic assumptions—some try to give it a French flair ("Hozy-ay"), others default to a common American sound ("Hoosier" or "Ho-jer"), and some simply try to sound out the letters in a way that is overly complex. Here is the simple, correct way to pronounce the name, as confirmed by the Irish singer himself.

Step 1: Focus on the 'HO' Sound

The first syllable is straightforward and should sound exactly like the common exclamation or greeting: "HO." There is no silent 'H' or complex vowel sound here. Think of the first part of the word "hope" or "holiday." This sets the foundation for the correct rhythm.

Step 2: The Key Syllable: 'ZEE'

This is where most people make a mistake. The 'z' in Hozier is pronounced with a distinct "Z" sound, followed by a long 'E' sound. Say "ZEE," as in the letter Z or the word "easy." It is not a soft 'zh' sound, as in "azure," or a hard 's' sound. The correct phonetic breakdown is not "Ho-zher" but "Ho-ZEE."

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Step 3: Finish with the 'ER'

The final part of the name is a simple, soft "ER" sound, similar to the end of words like "singer" or "driver." It should be a quick, unstressed syllable. Putting it all together, you get: HO-ZEE-ER.

Step 4: The Rhyme Test: Think 'Cozier'

The easiest way to remember the correct pronunciation is that the name Hozier rhymes perfectly with the word "cozier." If you can say "cozier," you can say Hozier. This simple trick is often cited by the artist and is the most reliable memory tool for fans.

Step 5: The Artist's Take: Don't Stress It

While "HO-zee-er" is the definitive, correct pronunciation, the artist, Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, has famously stated that he is relaxed about variations. He has heard and accepted mispronunciations ranging from "Hose-e-air" to "Hozzer." His general sentiment is that he is happy people are listening to his music and connecting with his work, regardless of how they say his name. However, for those seeking accuracy, sticking to the "HO-zee-er" or "cozier" rule is best.

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More Than Just a Name: Hozier’s Topical Authority and Musical Influences

Understanding Hozier’s name is just the first step in appreciating the depth of his artistry. His musical style is a rich tapestry woven from diverse influences, giving his discography a unique topical authority that goes far beyond his breakout hit. His music is deeply rooted in the traditions of African American music, drawing heavily from the powerful emotional core of blues, soul, and gospel.

This grounding in classic genres is evident across his three major studio albums. His self-titled debut album, *Hozier*, features staples like "Work Song," "From Eden," and "Cherry Wine," all of which showcase his powerful vocal range and thematic focus on love, faith, and social commentary. The follow-up, *Wasteland, Baby!*, continued this trend, exploring themes of apocalypse and rebirth with tracks like "Nina Cried Power," which is a direct nod to the history of protest music and civil rights activism.

His latest work, *Unreal Unearth* (and its deluxe extension, *Unreal Unearth: Unending*), demonstrates his continued evolution, drawing literary inspiration from Dante's *Inferno* to explore the complex journey through darkness and light. This literary and thematic depth is what has cemented his place not just as a singer, but as a serious musician and cultural commentator, earning him a spot on the TIME 100 list in 2025.

Connecting the Dots: Hozier, Activism, and the 'Unreal Unearth' Era

Hozier’s commitment to social causes is an integral part of his public identity and is often reflected in the lyrical content of his songs. He has used his platform and his music as a tool for activism, ensuring that his success translates into tangible support for those in need.

For example, the proceeds from "Cherry Wine" were globally distributed to organizations fighting domestic violence, a move that highlighted his dedication to using music for social good. He has also performed multiple charity shows in Dublin to support organizations like the Dublin Simon Community and Focus Ireland, which address homelessness and social issues in his home country.

As he continues his *Unreal Unearth* Tour in 2025, the conversation around Hozier—now correctly pronounced HO-zee-er—is focused on his enduring impact. From his early days as a Protestant Quaker who became agnostic, to his current status as a globally influential artist, his career is a testament to the power of blending profound lyrical content with a rich, blues-infused musical style. Now that you know how to say his name, you can join the conversation about one of the most important artists of the decade with confidence and authority.