How to Mispronounce “Dr. Seuss”It is true that the middle name of Theodor Geisel—“Seuss,” which was also his mother's maiden name—was pronounced “Zoice” by the family, and by Theodor Geisel himself. So, if you are pronouncing his full given name, saying “Zoice” instead of “Soose” would not be wrong. You'd have to explain the pronunciation to your listener, but you would be pronouncing it as the family did.