Are you thinking about names for a new business venture? Want to know how some famous companies got their names for inspiration?

Naming Red Website Design was quite a straight forward process. The boss’s favourite colour is red, and the footy team he supports play in a red shirt, so for him it was a no brainer and took all of 30 seconds.

Not all businesses names are quite so straight forward though, as this infographic from Business Insider will show.

 

Choosing the right name for your business is a critical decision. A well-chosen name can stick in the minds of customers and become synonymous with your brand. It’s no wonder that some of the world’s most successful companies have distinctive and quirky names. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating stories behind the names of 17 famous companies, exploring the creativity, inspiration, and sometimes, sheer randomness that led to their iconic monikers.

1. Apple Inc.

Inspiration: Contrary to popular belief, Apple Inc. was not named after the fruit. In fact, the name was suggested by Steve Jobs to his co-founder, Steve Wozniak, while he was working at an apple orchard. Jobs thought the name was “fun, spirited, and not intimidating.” It also placed Apple ahead of Atari, Wozniak’s previous employer, in the phone book listings.

2. Google

Inspiration: The name “Google” is derived from “googol,” which is a mathematical term for the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Google, chose this name to signify the vast amount of information their search engine would provide.

3. Coca-Cola

Inspiration: The name Coca-Cola is a combination of two key ingredients: coca leaves (a source of cocaine) and kola nuts (a source of caffeine). The original recipe for Coca-Cola included both of these ingredients, which were believed to have stimulating and energizing effects.

4. Nike

Inspiration: Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, inspired the name of this iconic sports brand. The founders, Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, sought a name that embodied the spirit of their athletic footwear and apparel company.

5. Starbucks

Inspiration: Starbucks was named after the first mate in Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick.” The founders wanted a nautical-themed name to evoke the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of coffee traders.

6. Amazon

Inspiration: Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, wanted a name that started with the letter ‘A’ because it would appear near the top of alphabetical lists. He also liked the association with the Amazon River, which he thought was exotic and conveyed the idea of something vast and mighty, just like his vision for the company.

7. Pepsi

Inspiration: The name “Pepsi” is derived from pepsin, an enzyme used in the original formula. The founders, Caleb Bradham and Richard Davis, believed that this enzyme would aid in digestion, hence the name “Brad’s Drink,” which later became Pepsi-Cola.

8. Volkswagen

Inspiration: Volkswagen, which means “people’s car” in German, was chosen to reflect the brand’s mission of making affordable cars accessible to the masses. The name was suggested by Adolf Hitler, who envisioned a car that ordinary German citizens could afford.

9. Häagen-Dazs

Inspiration: This famous ice cream brand’s name is entirely made up. The founders, Reuben and Rose Mattus, wanted a Danish-sounding name to convey a sense of old-world craftsmanship and quality. “Häagen-Dazs” has no actual meaning in any language.

10. McDonald’s

Inspiration: McDonald’s is named after its co-founders, Richard and Maurice McDonald. The original name of their restaurant was “McDonald’s Bar-B-Q,” but they later simplified it to just “McDonald’s” when they transitioned to a fast-food format.

11. Sony

Inspiration: Sony’s name is a combination of two words: “sonus,” the Latin word for sound, and “sonny,” which is slang for young boys. This name reflects the company’s early focus on audio and its desire to appeal to a younger audience.

12. LEGO

Inspiration: LEGO is derived from the Danish phrase “leg godt,” which means “play well.” The company’s founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen, chose this name to emphasize the importance of creative play and imagination.

13. PepsiCo

Inspiration: The name “PepsiCo” is a combination of “Pepsi” (from Pepsi-Cola) and “Co” (for company). It was chosen when Pepsi-Cola merged with Frito-Lay in 1965, creating a conglomerate that encompassed a wide range of food and beverage products.

14. Toyota

Inspiration: Toyota is named after its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. The name was changed from “Toyoda” to “Toyota” for several reasons, including the fact that “Toyota” sounded better and had eight strokes in Japanese characters, which is considered lucky.

15. IBM

Inspiration: IBM stands for International Business Machines Corporation. The name was chosen to reflect the company’s global reach and its focus on providing business solutions through the use of machines and technology.

16. Tesla

Inspiration: Tesla, the electric car company founded by Elon Musk, is named after the Serbian-American inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla. Elon Musk admired Tesla’s work in the field of electricity and believed that his name was synonymous with innovation.

17. Ford

Inspiration: The Ford Motor Company is named after its founder, Henry Ford. He established the company in 1903, and his name became synonymous with the automobile industry and the mass production of cars.

The Power of a Name

These famous companies’ names have become inseparable from their brands, and they each have unique stories behind their origin. Whether inspired by mythology, personal names, foreign languages, or mathematical concepts, these names have played a significant role in shaping the company’s identity and how it’s perceived by the public.

When choosing a name for your own business, it’s essential to consider the message and associations it conveys. A well-thought-out name can capture the essence of your brand, make it memorable, and set the stage for success. Take inspiration from these iconic companies, and remember that a quirky or unusual name can make your business stand out in a crowded marketplace.

In conclusion, the stories behind these 17 famous company names showcase the creativity and thought that goes into branding. They remind us that a name is more than just a label; it’s a reflection of a company’s values, aspirations, and identity. So, when you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, take the time to choose a name that resonates with your vision and leaves a lasting impression on your customers. After all, a great name can be the first step towards building a legendary brand.