The spelling of the Irish surname "Cahalan" can be deceiving at first glance. It is pronounced /kəˈhælən/, with a short "a" sound followed by "huh-lan" at the end. The "C" is pronounced like a "k" and the "h" after the "a" indicates a slight breathy sound. The "a" in the second syllable is pronounced like "a" in "cat." Despite its unusual spelling, Cahalan is a common surname that is often found in Ireland and in Irish communities around the world.