The Fascinating Origins of 50 Iconic Brand Names
Written on
Chapter 1: Nostalgic Inspirations
The echoes of childhood often resurface in unexpected ways. Recently, I was reminded of my neighbor, affectionately dubbed Mr. Pez, who worked for the beloved candy company that delivered sweet delights to local shops. His cheerful demeanor and generous treats made a lasting impression on my brother and me.
This nostalgic moment led me to ponder: what does 'PEZ' actually signify? This curiosity spurred me to explore the origins of other brand names, like Nintendo and Lada, culminating in a list of fifty. This exploration spans a variety of industries, from food and cosmetics to telecommunications and automotive. To make it easy for you to navigate, I’ve organized them alphabetically, so if you're only interested in the tale of Vespa or Zildjian, feel free to scroll down!
1. Alibaba
The name of the popular online marketplace Alibaba draws inspiration from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves from the renowned collection One Thousand and One Nights. It symbolizes the magical phrase "open sesame," suggesting that users can unlock a treasure trove of opportunities through this platform.
2. Asahi
Translated from Japanese, 'Asahi' (朝日) means 'morning sun' or 'rising sun.' This name evokes imagery of dawn, representing new beginnings. Numerous companies, including Asahi Breweries, have adopted this uplifting term, reflecting aspirations toward purity and optimism in their products.
3. Ben's Original
Formerly known as Uncle Ben's, Ben's Original is a brand of rice that was inspired by a fictional character possibly based on a real Texas rice farmer named Frank Brown. The rebranding in 2020 aimed to address cultural sensitivities, maintaining a connection to the previous name while embracing inclusivity.
4. BlackBerry
Founded in 1984, BlackBerry gained fame with its smartphone's physical keyboard, which resembled the drupelets of a blackberry fruit. The name encapsulates productivity and communication, aligning with the company’s mission to enhance connectivity.
5. CAT
The name 'CAT' is short for Caterpillar Inc., an American company recognized for its heavy machinery. The founder, Benjamin Holt, chose the name because the movement of his tractors reminded him of a caterpillar.
6. Carrefour
Originating from France in 1958, Carrefour translates to 'crossroads,' a fitting name for a retail giant that serves as a central hub for diverse products. This brand has grown significantly while retaining its core concept of providing a wide selection under one roof.
7. Chupa Chups
Launched in the 1950s, Chupa Chups was created by Enric Bernat, who sought to design a less messy lollipop. The name is derived from the Spanish verb 'chupar,' meaning 'to suck,' reflecting the enjoyable experience of consuming these candies.
8. Fjällräven
This Swedish brand, meaning 'arctic fox,' symbolizes exploration and adventure. Founded in 1960, Fjällräven is committed to sustainability, using its name to advocate for the conservation of the endangered arctic fox.
9. FUBU
FUBU, established in 1992, stands for "For Us, By Us." This brand emerged from a desire to reflect the urban youth culture and has grown into a recognized name in fashion, thanks to grassroots marketing and community engagement.
10. GAP
Founded in 1969, GAP was inspired by the concept of bridging the 'generation gap.' The brand aimed to cater to various age groups, offering a range of appealing clothing options.
11. Google
Initially called "Backrub," Google's name was suggested by a fellow student, Sean Anderson, based on the mathematical term 'googol,' reflecting the vast amount of information the search engine aimed to organize.
12. Häagen-Dazs
Despite its Danish-sounding name, Häagen-Dazs was created in the U.S. to evoke European elegance. The founders wanted to emphasize high-quality ingredients, capturing the essence of premium ice cream.
13. IKEA
The acronym IKEA combines the initials of its founder, Ingvar Kamprad, with the names of his childhood farm and village, reflecting his vision of affordable and stylish furniture.
14. Kodak
George Eastman invented the name 'Kodak' by combining letters that he found appealing, ensuring it was unique and easy to remember across languages.
15. Lada
The name 'Lada' originates from a Russian term for longships, symbolizing the brand's reliability and strength in the automotive market.
16. LEGO
Derived from the Danish phrase 'leg godt,' meaning 'play well,' LEGO emphasizes creativity and fun, starting with wooden toys and evolving into iconic plastic bricks.
17. LG
LG stands for 'Lucky Goldstar,' a merger of two South Korean companies, representing a unified identity in electronics and chemicals.
18. L'Oréal
The name 'L'Oréal' combines French words for gold and royal, reflecting the brand's commitment to luxury in beauty products.
19. Marmite
Named after a French cooking pot, Marmite’s slogan 'Love it or hate it' plays on its polarizing flavor, making it a staple in British cuisine.
20. Maybelline
Inspired by his sister's beauty routine, Thomas Lyle Williams combined her name with 'vaseline' to create Maybelline, focusing on eye makeup.
The first video titled "The True Meaning behind 10 top Brand Names" delves into the stories behind some of the most famous brand names, offering insights into their origins and meanings.
21. Netflix
Initially a DVD rental service, Netflix's name combines 'internet' and 'flicks,' reflecting its evolution into a streaming giant.
22. Nike
Named after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike embodies success and innovation in athletic wear, a vision shared by its founders.
23. Nikon
This brand's name is derived from its original full name, Nippon Kogaku K.K., with an added 'n' for a more masculine impression.
24. Nintendo
Nintendo's name roughly translates to 'Leave luck to heaven,' reflecting its origins in card games and its later success in gaming.
25. Nivea
Named from the Latin word for 'snow-white,' Nivea signifies purity and quality in skincare, establishing its reputation worldwide.
26. Nokia
Founded in 1865, Nokia has evolved from a wood-pulp mill to a major player in telecommunications, with a name rooted in its geographical origin.
27. Oriflame
Named after a medieval royal banner, Oriflame emphasizes quality and ambition in the cosmetics industry.
28. Pantene
The name Pantene highlights the benefits of panthenol, its key ingredient, which nourishes and strengthens hair.
29. PEZ
The name 'PEZ' is derived from the German word for peppermint, reflecting its original purpose as a breath mint.
30. Reebok
The name Reebok, from the Afrikaans word for antelope, symbolizes speed and agility in athletic footwear.
31. Samsung
Meaning 'three stars' in Korean, Samsung's name reflects the founder's vision of strength and longevity.
32. 7UP
Originally named 'Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda,' 7UP emphasizes its refreshing ingredients.
33. Shazam
Inspired by a superhero, the name Shazam conveys the app's ability to recognize music and media instantly.
34. Skype
Created from 'sky' and 'peer,' Skype's name captures its vision of direct communication over the internet.
35. Sony
Combining 'sound' with a youthful term, Sony aims to reflect innovation in audio technology.
36. Spotify
Spotify's name, a blend of 'spot' and 'identify,' has become synonymous with music streaming.
37. Sprite
Named after a mythical creature, Sprite reflects the drink's lively and refreshing nature.
38. Starbucks
Inspired by a character in Moby-Dick, Starbucks connects to Seattle's maritime heritage.
39. Teavana
The name Teavana combines 'tea' and 'nirvana,' promoting a sense of peace through tea enjoyment.
40. Tesco
Derived from the initials of a tea supplier, Tesco has evolved into a major grocery retailer.
41. The North Face
The name symbolizes the challenging aspect of mountains, aligning with the brand's commitment to outdoor gear.
42. Trabant
Named for its concept of companionship, Trabant became an iconic vehicle in East Germany.
43. Tchibo
A blend of 'chilling' and 'beans,' Tchibo reflects its origins in coffee sales.
44. Uber
The name 'Uber' means 'above' in German, signifying the company's aim to exceed traditional transportation methods.
45. Visa
The name Visa, easily recognized globally, symbolizes the ease of financial transactions.
46. Vespa
The name means 'wasp' in Italian, reflecting the scooter's design and cultural significance.
47. Waze
Merging 'ways' and 'maze,' Waze emphasizes effective navigation through complex road networks.
48. Zara
Originally named 'Zorba,' the brand was renamed to Zara due to a conflict, evolving into a fashion leader.
49. Zildjian
With origins dating back to the 17th century, Zildjian embodies a rich history in cymbal-making.
50. Zippo
Inspired by the word 'zipper,' Zippo was designed for ease of use, becoming a beloved lighter brand.
If you found this exploration of brand names intriguing, feel free to share your thoughts!
The second video "50 Skateboard Logos Explained - The Story Behind the Brands" dives into the narratives behind popular skateboard logos, enhancing our understanding of brand identity in the skateboarding world.