Delve into the intricate layers of toponymy that shape the identity of Los Angeles, tracing back to its founding by the "Los Pobladores" on September 4, 1781. Initially christened as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, meaning 'The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels', the city's nomenclature has undergone a fascinating evolution.

Historical records reveal a dispute regarding the original name of the settlement, with variations ranging from the extended "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula" to abbreviated forms. The nuances of pronunciation have also left their mark on the city's linguistic landscape, reflecting shifts in cultural influences and linguistic trends.

Over time, the local English pronunciation of Los Angeles has seen fluctuations, with divergent renditions emerging and fading. From the establishment of /l??s ?ænd??l?s/ lawss AN-j?l-?s post-incorporation in 1850 to the emergence of /lo?s ?æ???l?s/ lohss ANG-g?l-?s in the 1880s, the city's name has witnessed varied interpretations. Notable figures like Charles Fletcher Lummis advocated for specific pronunciations, adding to the linguistic debate.

In the early 1900s, the Los Angeles Times championed the pronunciation Loce AHNG-hayl-ais (/lo?s ????he?le?s/), but this alternative did not gain widespread acceptance. Eventually, /l??s ?ænd??l?s/ lawss AN-j?l-?s emerged as the most common pronunciation, officially endorsed by the United States Board on Geographic Names in 1934.

Even across the Atlantic, the city's name garners diverse pronunciations, with variants such as /l?s ?ænd??li?z, -l?z, -l?s/ loss AN-jil-eez, -?iz, -?iss prevalent in the United Kingdom. Linguistic experts attribute certain pronunciations to historical influences, noting how they reflect broader linguistic trends and cultural contexts.

As Los Angeles continues to evolve as a global metropolis, its name remains a testament to its rich heritage and dynamic character, embodying the fusion of diverse cultures and languages that define the city's essence.